Republicans Push for Probe into Zelenskyy’s Controversial PA Visit

Man with microphone against a yellow background.

House Republicans are demanding an investigation into Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent Pennsylvania trip, questioning its potential violations of the Hatch Act.

At a Glance

House Republicans allege Zelenskyy’s visit misused U.S. taxpayer funds and violated the Hatch Act.
The Ukrainian president was flown to Pennsylvania in a U.S. Air Force C-17 and provided Secret Service protection.
Zelenskyy’s visit is accused of being politically motivated to support Democratic candidates.
Concerns were raised about foreign election interference due to Zelenskyy’s criticism of Sen. JD Vance.

Potential Hatch Act Violations

A group of nine GOP lawmakers led by Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX) is calling for an official investigation into Zelenskyy’s trip to Pennsylvania. The legislators allege that the visit may have violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities. Zelenskyy’s use of a U.S. Air Force plane and Secret Service protection has sparked concerns about the misuse of U.S. taxpayer funds.

During his visit, Zelenskyy criticized Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), calling him “too radical” and expressing doubts about former President Trump’s ability to end the war in Ukraine. Zelenskyy’s comments were delivered during a tour of the Scranton Army Ammunition Plant, which has fueled accusations of foreign election interference and political bias. House Republicans argue that these actions suggest underlying electoral motives rather than genuine diplomatic concerns.

Zelensky's visit to Pennsylvania felt more like a campaign stunt than a diplomatic mission.

I am calling for an investigation into whether tax dollars were used for political gain.

It would not just be unethical; it would be a violation of federal law!https://t.co/Jeb8CJOOgv

— Lance Gooden (@Lancegooden) September 24, 2024

Transportation and Security Concerns

Zelenskyy was transported to Pennsylvania on a U.S. military aircraft, raising alarms regarding the use of American taxpayer dollars. Republicans argue that providing such resources for a visit of this nature, particularly when it appears to have political undertones, is concerning. Rep. Lance Gooden emphasized, “Using American taxpayer dollars to fund what was clearly a campaign-style event for the Democrats is unacceptable and likely illegal.”

“My feeling is that Trump doesn’t really know how to stop the war, even if he might think he knows how,” he said.

Moreover, Republican Sen. Eric Schmitt (Mo.) criticized the timing of the visit, noting its alignment with the upcoming presidential election. He stated, “Zelenskyy is openly campaigning for Democrats in battleground Pennsylvania today some 50 days out from our Presidential election. Unreal.” Additionally, the GOP is pushing for transparency regarding the coordination of the visit, citing the presence of only Democratic officials during key meetings.

House GOP investigates Zelenskyy's Pennsylvania visit https://t.co/Q95UvzCC9Z

— POLITICO (@politico) September 24, 2024

Foreign Election Interference?

Republican lawmakers have also raised the issue of potential foreign election interference. Sean Parnell stated, “Zelenskyy is also attacking JD Vance in the biggest, most important battleground state in the country during an election year. If that isn’t foreign election interference I don’t know what is.” Such allegations suggest an intent to sway American voter sentiment by criticizing U.S. political figures.

“It is in places like this where you can truly feel that the democratic world can prevail,” Zelenskyy tweeted. “Thanks to people like these — in Ukraine, in America, and in all partner countries — who work tirelessly to ensure that life is protected.”

Further, concerns about ethical guidelines and federal law compliance have surfaced, especially regarding the allocation of resources for purposes unrelated to national security. House Republicans argue that Zelenskyy’s remarks at the ammunition plant and his criticism of Republican candidates amount to a “stump speech” for Vice President Kamala Harris, thus potentially violating federal regulations.