Amid rising tensions between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Senator Josh Hawley has reintroduced legislation to establish oversight of the substantial financial aid provided to Ukraine. This renewed effort follows a previous attempt in 2023, which was unsuccessful under the then-Democratic-controlled Senate.
The proposed legislation, titled the Special Inspector General for Ukraine Assistance Act, aims to create an independent watchdog to audit the over $174 billion allocated by Congress for Ukraine aid. Senator Hawley, a Missouri Republican, co-sponsored the original bill with then-Senator, now Vice President, JD Vance. He argues that American taxpayers deserve transparency and accountability regarding the use of these funds.
The proposed watchdog would function similarly to those established for Afghanistan reconstruction (SIGAR), COVID-19 pandemic relief (SIGPR), and the 2008 financial crisis (SIGTARP). The office would oversee aid programs managed by the Department of Defense, State Department, and USAID, drawing funding from the Ukraine Economic Assistance Fund. Quarterly reports to Congress on the findings would be mandatory.
The timing of this legislative push coincides with a sharp escalation in the war of words between Trump and Zelenskyy. Trump recently labeled Zelenskyy a "dictator" and criticized his handling of the war, prompting a strong rebuke from the Ukrainian leader, who accused Trump of operating in a "disinformation space."
While stopping short of using the term "dictator," Hawley echoed Trump's call for elections in Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of democratic processes even during wartime. He pointed to the precedent of holding elections during World War II. This stance further underscores the growing divide between the former president and the Ukrainian government.
Adding to the complexity of the situation are recent diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration. Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, met with Russian counterparts to discuss increasing diplomatic presence in each other's countries. Concurrently, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent presented Zelenskyy with a draft agreement regarding U.S. investment in Ukraine's mineral resources, a move that National Security Advisor Waltz urged Ukraine to accept.
