Ukrainians Are ‘More American’ Than Actual Americans [WATCH]

Paul Rieckhoff, CEO of Independent Veterans of America, made a controversial statement Friday on MSNBC’s The 11th Hour, declaring that Ukrainians are “more American” than the American people.

His remarks came during a discussion about U.S. support for Ukraine and President Donald Trump’s stance on the conflict.

During the segment, host Stephanie Ruhle asked Rieckhoff about Trump’s handling of Ukraine, prompting him to sharply criticize the 47th president.

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“Donald Trump has completely betrayed Ukraine. He has stabbed them in the back and every week he needs to twist it and drive it deeper with a new move that cuts more of their legs out from under them,” Rieckhoff said.

Ruhle then posed a question about American voters who prioritize Trump’s approach to Russia over support for Ukraine.

“What do you say to the person who says, I don’t care about Ukraine, I want Donald Trump to stand up for Russia?” she asked.

Rieckhoff responded by questioning the origins of such views, suggesting they contradict traditional American foreign policy positions.

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“Where did you grow up? Did you grow up in a place where you thought the Russians were the good guys?” he asked.

“What part of America did you grow up in where they taught you the Russians were the good guys, and our allies were the bad guys? That’s the flip here that we need to continue to remind people. The Russians are the bad guys. They’re raping women. They’re killing children. They’re bombing cities.”

He went on to defend Ukraine, portraying the country as a symbol of American values.

“The Ukrainians are the noble good guys. In some ways, they’re more American than we are,” Rieckhoff claimed.

“Over the last couple of years, and we must stand with them in the same way we stood with the Allies in World War II. And since this country was founded. This is not just about Ukraine. This is about the core and the integrity of American values.”

His comments sparked debate on social media, with some critics questioning his characterization of Ukraine as being “more American” than the American people.

Others pushed back on his implication that skepticism of U.S. involvement in Ukraine equates to support for Russia.

The discussion over continued U.S. aid to Ukraine remains a divisive topic in Washington.

While the Biden-Harris administration has pushed for additional funding to support Ukraine’s war effort, some lawmakers have argued that American resources should be prioritized for domestic issues rather than foreign conflicts.

Meanwhile, Trump has been vocal about his stance on Ukraine, repeatedly stating that he would end the war “within 24 hours” if re-elected.

He has also criticized ongoing U.S. financial aid to Ukraine, arguing that European nations should contribute more to the effort.

As the debate over U.S. involvement in the conflict continues, Rieckhoff’s remarks add to the broader conversation about America’s role in global affairs and the priorities of its leadership.

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