Politics
Senator Chris Coons faces criticism for saying U.S. is no longer leader of the free world
The Delaware Democrat pointed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the primary national leader fighting for freedom.
The short version
- Delaware Senator Chris Coons stated during a virtual town hall that the U.S. is "no longer" the leader of the free world.
- Coons identified Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the primary leader putting his country on the line for freedom and said the U.S. must earn its place back.
- The remarks drew swift condemnation from conservative critics, online commentators, and a special presidential envoy who labeled the comments "America last."
Key facts
- During a virtual town hall hosted by the Kent County Democratic Committee, Senator Chris Coons remarked that the U.S. is no longer the leader of the free world.[Fox News]
- Coons named Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the primary national leader putting his country's men and women on the line for freedom.[Fox News]
- Nick Adams, the special presidential envoy for American tourism, exceptionalism, and values, criticized the comments, calling them "the essence of America last."[Fox News]
- The White House Rapid Response account on X and various conservative critics condemned the senator's remarks, with some labeling them anti-American.[Fox News]
- Coons has been a longtime supporter of Ukraine, visiting the country multiple times and consistently advocating for military assistance and sanctions against Russia.[Fox News]