Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) criticized President Trump on Monday for appearing to side with Russia in its claims that Ukraine attempted a drone attack on a residence of President Vladimir Putin, accusing Moscow’s leader of frequently lying.
“President Trump and his team should get the facts first before assuming blame. Putin is a well known boldface liar,” Bacon wrote on the social platform X.
Trump had said he was “very angry” about Russian claims that Ukraine tried to attack the presidential residence in the Novgorod region overnight with 91 long-range drones.
Speaking to reporters after greeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Fla., on Monday afternoon, Trump said he had been informed of the attack by Putin during a phone call earlier in the day.
“It’s one thing to be offensive. It’s another thing to attack his house. It’s not the right time to do any of that. … I was very angry about it,” Trump said.
“It’s a delicate period of time. This is not the right time,” Trump added, likely referring to ongoing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Asked if there’s evidence of the attack, Trump replied: “Well, we’ll find out. You’re saying maybe the attack didn’t take place? That’s possible, I guess, but President Putin told me this morning.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia’s claims were “a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine” and undermine peace talks.
Trump met with Zelensky at Mar-a-Lago on Sunday to discuss a proposed 20-point peace plan.
Bacon, who is retiring at the end of this Congress, has repeatedly criticized Trump’s handling of foreign policy matters, including the Russia-Ukraine war.
