The Daily Punch The Readback: A head-spinning week for GOP hawks
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Feb 22, 2025 
Andrew Desiderio, a Congressional reporter for Punchbowl News, dives into the political whirlwind surrounding President Trump's controversial comments on the Russia-Ukraine war. He discusses the growing divide among Senate Republicans regarding foreign policy and their struggle to balance party loyalty with ethical stances. The podcast highlights the diminishing congressional authority in foreign matters and features intriguing insights on GOP senators' reluctance to publicly challenge Trump, all while navigating the pitfalls of political alliances.
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Republican Response to Trump's Ukraine Comments
- Trump's comments on the Russia-Ukraine war, especially his criticism of Zelenskyy, sparked strong reactions among Senate Republicans.
- Many Republicans tried to avoid directly criticizing Trump or downplayed his controversial statements.
Limited Congressional Influence
- Congress has limited power to influence negotiations between the U.S. and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine.
- This lack of Congressional authority worries some Republican hawks who fear a lopsided deal favoring Russia.
Senator Thune's Response
- Senator Thune, while acknowledging Russia as the aggressor, refrained from directly criticizing Trump.
- He emphasized Trump's desire for peace and the need for all parties, including Ukraine, to be involved in negotiations.