Republican lawmakers are strongly criticizing the Trump administration’s recent decision to stop sending some missiles and munitions to Ukraine. The pause in weapons delivery comes at a crucial time in the ongoing war.
According to Politico, the Pentagon’s freeze on sending critical air defense weapons to Ukraine was confirmed by the White House, citing worries about decreasing U.S. weapon supplies, though the order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly surprised even President Trump and other senior officials. This move has caused significant concern among lawmakers from both political parties.
Republican Representative Brian Fitzpatrick, who leads the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, spoke out against the decision. “We must build up our own defense industrial base here in the U.S. while simultaneously providing the needed assistance to our allies who are defending their freedom from a brutal invading dictator,” he stated. Fitzpatrick has asked for an urgent meeting with White House and Pentagon officials.
Growing concerns about timing and strategy
The weapons pause has created confusion, as it follows Trump’s recent promise at the NATO summit to possibly sell Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. The news of the freeze has led Ukraine to call in a U.S. diplomat for an explanation.
Representative Michael McCaul, a Republican from Texas, is investigating whether the Pentagon’s decision breaks Ukraine aid laws passed in 2024. He believes the timing is wrong and weakens Trump’s efforts to get Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate peace.
Republican Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick wrote a letter to President Trump requesting an emergency briefing from the White House and the Department of Defense regarding the Pentagon’s recent withdrawal of aid to Ukraine. pic.twitter.com/kw7jPdwPfu
— Roman Sheremeta(@rshereme) July 2, 2025
Democratic lawmakers have also criticized the pause. Senator Jeanne Shaheen pointed to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby as being responsible, amid ongoing chaos at the Pentagon under Hegseth’s leadership, as senior staff continue to resign. She believes this decision goes against Trump’s promises to NATO and makes lasting peace harder to achieve.
Some Republicans, however, are less worried about the weapons pause. Representative Ken Calvert mentioned that supply concerns might be valid, noting that many missiles have been used. He also said European countries are starting to provide more help to Ukraine.
House Armed Services Chair Mike Rogers said these kinds of pauses have happened before under Trump’s administration. He wants to learn more about the situation before making judgments. Meanwhile, House Foreign Affairs Chair Brian Mast suggested that regular checks on weapon supplies are normal and help keep the system running smoothly.
