UNPRECEDENTED: Trump throws Zelensky out of the White House, tells him "You're gambling with WW3"

A diplomatic meeting between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky unraveled into a heated confrontation on Friday, ending with Trump ordering Zelensky to leave the White House and scrapping a planned deal on Ukraine’s mineral resources. The exchange, marked by shouted accusations and a rare public expulsion, unfolded in the Oval Office as stunned aides and reporters looked on.

The encounter began cordially, with Zelensky presenting a gift and Trump offering a welcome, but quickly soured over U.S. support for Ukraine’s war against Russia. Trump pressed Zelensky to negotiate with Vladimir Putin and accused him of ingratitude for American aid, saying, “You’re gambling with millions of lives,” according to a partial transcript reported by Israeli outlet Kikar Hashabbat.

Zelensky countered that Putin’s history of broken agreements made such talks untenable, insisting he had thanked the U.S. repeatedly. Vice President J.D. Vance interjected, asking if Zelensky had expressed gratitude that day, prompting Trump to warn that without a deal, “we’re out, and you’ll fight it out.”

The 45-minute meeting escalated in its final moments, with Trump calling Zelensky’s stance “disrespectful” and abruptly ending the session. Zelensky left around 1:40 p.m. Eastern time, forgoing a joint press conference and the minerals deal signing, which aimed to trade U.S. investment for access to Ukraine’s rare-earth reserves.

Trump later told reporters Zelensky “overplayed his hand” and pushed for an “immediate ceasefire”, warning that U.S. support could wane. Zelensky, speaking to Fox News, called the incident “not good” but avoided apology, stressing the broader U.S.-Ukraine partnership.

The clash drew sharp reactions. Republicans like Senator Lindsey Graham hailed Trump’s firmness, while Democrats, including House Leader Hakeem Jeffries, labeled it “appalling,” warning of benefits to Russia. Internationally, allies like Canada reaffirmed Ukraine’s cause, while Hungary’s Viktor Orban backed Trump’s peace push.

The fallout leaves a critical alliance strained, with the war’s next steps hanging in the balance.