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Musk, Trump criticize Zelensky over leadership and war spending as U.S. aid debate heats up

By isabelle // 2025-02-23

• Elon Musk and Donald Trump criticize Ukrainian President Zelensky for prioritizing publicity over his people’s suffering and mismanaging U.S. aid.
• Musk condemns Zelensky’s 2022 Vogue photoshoot and accuses him of responsibility for the death of American journalist Gonzalo Lira.
• Trump calls Zelensky a “dictator without elections” and claims Ukraine’s war effort is unwinnable, citing $350 billion in U.S. spending.
• Both Musk and Trump advocate for a negotiated peace, questioning the sustainability of U.S. aid to Ukraine.

Elon Musk and President Donald Trump have launched scathing critiques of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, accusing him of prioritizing publicity over his people’s suffering and mismanaging U.S. aid as the Russia-Ukraine war drags on. The high-profile attacks come amid growing frustration in conservative circles over America’s continued financial support for a conflict many believe Ukraine cannot win. Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, took to X this week to lambast Zelensky for a 2022 Vogue photoshoot featuring the Ukrainian leader and his wife, Olena Zelenska. The photoshoot, titled “Portrait of Bravery,” was intended to highlight Ukraine’s resilience but has drawn sharp criticism for its timing. “He did this while kids are dying in trenches on the war front,” Musk wrote, echoing sentiments from Republican lawmakers who have questioned the optics of the shoot while billions in U.S. aid flow into Ukraine. He also ignited a firestorm of controversy by accusing Zelensky of being responsible for the death of American journalist Gonzalo Lira, who died in a Ukrainian prison after being critical of Zelensky’s regime. Trump, meanwhile, has escalated his rhetoric against Zelensky, calling him a “dictator without elections” and accusing him of prolonging the war to secure more American funding. “Zelensky talked the United States of America into spending $350 billion dollars to go into a war that couldn’t be won,” Trump said during a recent public appearance. The president has also suggested that Zelensky’s approval rating is far lower than reported, claiming it stands at just 4%.

A war of words and waning support

The war of words between Trump, Musk, and Zelensky reflects a broader shift in U.S. attitudes toward the conflict. While the Biden administration championed Ukraine’s cause, providing billions in military and humanitarian aid, Trump and his allies have been vocal critics of the spending. Musk, who has previously clashed with Zelensky over Starlink satellite support for Ukraine, has joined Trump in questioning the effectiveness of U.S. aid. “President Trump is right to ignore [Zelensky] and solve for peace independent of the disgusting, massive graft machine feeding off the dead bodies of Ukrainian soldiers,” Musk wrote on X. His comments align with Trump’s calls for a negotiated settlement to end the war, even as Ukraine insists on reclaiming its occupied territories. Zelensky has pushed back against the criticism, accusing Trump of living in a “disinformation space” influenced by Russian propaganda. “We have evidence that these figures are being discussed between America and Russia,” Zelensky said, referring to Trump’s claims about his approval rating. “Unfortunately, President Trump lives in this disinformation space.”

A controversial photoshoot and political fallout

The Vogue photoshoot, conducted by renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz, has become a lightning rod for criticism. While some defended it as a way to humanize Ukraine’s struggle, others saw it as tone-deaf. Republican Congresswoman Lauren Boebert called it a slap in the face to American taxpayers. “While we send Ukraine $60 billion in aid, Zelensky is doing photoshoots for Vogue,” she posted on social media. “These people think we are nothing but a bunch of suckers.” The backlash underscores the growing divide over U.S. involvement in the war. Critics argue that Ukraine’s reliance on American aid is unsustainable, especially as domestic issues like inflation and border security demand attention. Trump and Musk have both suggested that the U.S. should pivot toward brokering peace rather than funding a prolonged conflict. Despite the heated rhetoric, there are signs that a resolution could be on the horizon. Trump has hinted at his ability to negotiate a peace deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. For many Americans, the hope is that the U.S. can step back from its role as Ukraine’s primary benefactor and focus on domestic priorities. As the war enters its third year, the debate over U.S. aid and Zelensky’s leadership shows no signs of abating. But with voices like Trump and Musk pushing for a new approach, the path to peace—and a reduction in American spending—may finally be within reach. Sources for this article include: RMX.news NDTV.com Independent.co.uk APNews.com

Elon Musk Donald Trump Ukraine taxes corruption Trump war White House big government government spending chaos money supply WWIII outrage scrutiny Volodymyr Zelensky Zelensky Gonzalo Lira war spending