President-elect Donald Trump hosted 22 Republican governors at Mar-a-Lago to outline his vision for his second administration.
During the gathering at his Florida estate, Trump confirmed several shifts in government priorities, namely a planned meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin "wants to meet, and we're setting it up," he told attendees. Most reporters weren't invited to the proceedings, but questions were taken from a Fox News Channel journalist.
Why It Matters
Trump's self-described Mar-a-Lago "love fest" illustrates an intent to strengthen relationships with GOP-led states after what attendees described as a period of federal "overreach" under President Joe Biden. The announcement comes as U.S. allies and defense officials voice concerns over Trump's approach to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the future of U.S. military support for Kyiv.
What to Know
The President-elect's remarks have reignited questions about U.S. foreign policy under Trump's leadership. Advisors have indicated that the administration is exploring options to negotiate an end to the war, potentially involving territorial concessions to Russia. Such a move could redefine the U.S. role in NATO and reshape alliances formed during the conflict.
Zelensky Appeals for Continued U.S. Support
Global attention remains focused on Ukraine, where the Biden administration has provided over $66 billion in aid since Russia's invasion in February 2022, almost three years ago. In his final meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky appealed for continued American support, stating, "To cease military support now will only invite more aggression, chaos, and war."
Austin, speaking at a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, stressed the importance of continued support, warning, "If Putin swallows Ukraine, his appetite will only grow." He highlighted the coalition's significance, calling it "the most consequential global coalition in more than 30 years." European allies, including Germany, have signaled readiness to assume a larger role should U.S. support diminish, with Germany's Defense Minister Boris Pistorius set to meet with Trump's incoming defense officials shortly after the Jan. 20 inauguration.
What People Are Saying
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in his final meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy: "If tyrants learn that aggression pays, we will only invite even more aggression, chaos, and war."
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged Putin's openness to dialogue with Trump but said so far there have been no formal requests.
Ukrainian officials, however, are less optimistic, with Zelensky stating, "No matter what's going on in the world, everyone wants to feel sure that their country will not just be erased off the map."
Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte welcomed the summoning, saying, "We have a lot of business to get done on behalf of our states. We're just pleased to be here to meet with the president."
Florida Govenor Ron DeSantis——Trump's GOP presidential primary rival——talked about the value of the importance of bipartisan cooperation: "I'm very confident, as a state that knows——we face these——that a Trump administration is going to be very strong and going to be there for the people regardless of party," he said.
What's Next
As Trump prepares to take office, his administration's stance on Ukraine will face immediate scrutiny. The anticipated Putin meeting signals potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy, with ramifications for NATO and global security.
"The coalition to support Ukraine must not flinch. It must not falter. And it must not fail," Austin said during his final press conference.
Further updates are expected following Trump's Jan. 20 inauguration, as allies and adversaries await clarification on the new administration's approach to the conflict.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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