Led by Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Texas), a group of nine Republicans is seeking information from the Justice and Defense departments about whether Zelensky’s visit to Pennsylvania earlier this week was “politically motivated” and funded by U.S. taxpayer dollars, potentially violating federal law.
The lawmakers cite Zelensky’s remarks suggesting a Trump-Vance administration could lead to “global conflict,” which GOP members criticized as a campaign-style speech in support of Harris.
“These actions raise serious concerns that the visit may have been politically motivated, potentially violating laws such as the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from engaging in political activities on duty or using government resources for such purposes,” the Republicans stated in their letter.
The letter also questions the use of U.S. military aircraft and Secret Service protection for Zelensky’s visit, arguing these taxpayer-funded resources should only be used for national security, not political events.
If found true, the lawmakers assert that these resources were improperly used to support a politically significant visit ahead of the U.S. election. They are demanding a “full accounting” of the expenses related to Zelensky’s trip.
Gooden emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating, “Using American taxpayer dollars for what was clearly a campaign event for Democrats is unacceptable and likely illegal.” He added that the public deserves accountability for the alleged politicization of foreign diplomacy.
The Republicans are also pushing for an investigation into whether there was any coordination between Zelensky’s visit and political campaigns, noting that only Democratic officials were present at the Pennsylvania event, including Gov. Josh Shapiro, Sen. Bob Casey, and Rep. Matt Cartwright.
Additionally, the letter inquires if any Republican officials from Pennsylvania were invited to the event.
This investigation request follows a New Yorker article where Zelensky suggested that J.D. Vance, Trump’s running mate, was “too radical” and that Trump lacked the ability to end the war.
Republicans argue that Zelensky’s comments could be viewed as foreign interference in the election.
“Using taxpayer dollars to showcase a foreign leader who then criticizes a major party just days before an election is a clear case of election interference and a violation of the Hatch Act,” said Gooden. He labeled it a misuse of public funds and an abuse of democratic processes.
The letter was also signed by Reps. Ralph Norman (R-SC), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Mary Miller (R-IL), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Harriet Hageman (R-WY), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Dan Bishop (R-NC), and Eric Burlison (R-MO).
