California Governor Gavin Newsom and House Democratic leader Gregory Meeks have sharply criticized the meeting between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that took place in Alaska. The leaders argue that the exclusion of Ukraine from the meeting represents a dangerous deviation from standard diplomatic protocols and risks complicating international relations. Newsom, who has long been a vocal advocate for strong US alliances, expressed concern over the meeting’s implication for regional stability.
Meeks, the top Democrat in the House, emphasized that the Trump administration’s diplomatic approach has raised concerns about the United States’ ability to maintain consistent and reliable international partnerships. The meeting, which took place without consultations with Ukrainian officials, has drawn additional criticism from members of Congress and international diplomats who view it as a potential threat to global security. Both leaders have called for greater transparency in the White House’s diplomatic engagements, particularly given the ongoing tensions in the region.
Newsom and Meeks are among several political figures who have publicly criticized the Trump administration’s foreign policy decisions. Their statements reflect the growing bipartisan concern over the potential impact of the Trump-Putin meeting on US global influence and diplomatic relations. The leaders have urged the administration to prioritize diplomatic engagements that include all relevant stakeholders, including Ukraine, to avoid further escalation of tensions and ensure a more stable international environment.