Biden accuses Trump of sabotaging bipartisan aid efforts for Ukraine, Israel

President Joe Biden of the United States has leveled accusations against former President Donald Trump, alleging that Trump has been coercing Republican senators into withdrawing support for aid packages aimed at Ukraine and Israel. These claims come in the wake of bipartisan consensus in the Senate.

CNN reported on February 7 that Biden, campaigning in New York, disclosed Trump’s alleged interference, stating that Trump had personally contacted Republican senators and warned of consequences should they support the aid bill. Biden expressed disbelief at the unfolding events on Capitol Hill. Trump has yet to respond to these allegations.

A recent bipartisan agreement in the Senate, reached on February 4, proposed a $118 billion aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan, along with measures to bolster border security and enact stricter immigration policies, which were concessions to Republican demands. However, Trump’s intervention prompted a shift in Republican stance, urging senators to retract their support for the compromise bill.In a procedural vote on February 7, 49 senators supported the bill, while 50 opposed it. A minimum of 60 votes is required for the bill’s passage. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer technically voted against the bill to retain the option to reintroduce it for voting later.Democrats are now planning to introduce a revised bill in the Senate, omitting the contentious border security issue and focusing solely on aid to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. There remains a theoretical possibility of garnering the necessary 60 votes for passage, though the bill must also secure approval from the Republican-controlled House of Representatives before reaching the President’s desk for signing.