Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a vocal opponent of U.S. aid to Ukraine and a controversial figure in American politics, is once again under fire after posting misleading claims about major protests in Ukraine — even as she positions herself as a defender of democracy.
The Georgia congresswoman took to social media to share a video of large demonstrations taking place in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities on July 22–23. The protests marked the largest public opposition to President Volodymyr Zelensky’s government since Russia’s full-scale invasion more than three years ago. Greene cheered on the demonstrators, writing:
“Good for the Ukrainian people! Throw him out of office!”
She also repeated her call for the U.S. to cut off military and financial aid to Ukraine. The post quickly went viral, gaining more than 3.9 million views and thousands of comments.
Huge protests erupt in Kyiv against Ukrainian President Zelensky as he is a dictator and refuses to make a peace deal and end the war.
Good for the Ukrainian people! Throw him out of office!
And America must STOP funding and sending weapons!!!
— Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene🇺🇸 (@RepMTG) July 22, 2025
What Actually Prompted the Protests
Despite Greene’s framing, on-the-ground reports painted a very different picture of the demonstrations. Protesters were rallying against a controversial anti-corruption bill signed by Zelensky, which opponents argue threatens Ukraine’s fragile democratic institutions.
The new law brings NABU (National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine) and SAPO (Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office) under direct control of the executive branch — raising alarms among civil society groups, international watchdogs, and EU officials.
Critics say the move would let the president and his appointed prosecutor general interfere with investigations into political allies. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko joined the protests, warning the legislation would “drag Ukraine faster and faster into authoritarianism.”
Transparency International called the law a “massive setback” in Ukraine’s anti-corruption reforms, and the European Commission cautioned that it could derail the country’s path toward EU membership.
Greene’s Comments Contradict Facts on the Ground
In her post, Greene claimed Ukrainians were rising up because Zelensky “refuses to make a peace deal” with Russia and is acting like a “dictator.” But that interpretation was directly contradicted by reporters at the scene.
The Kyiv Independent, whose journalists were embedded at the protests, stated there was “no evidence” that demonstrators were opposing peace talks or angry about the continuation of the war. The protests, they reported, were squarely focused on democratic backsliding and government overreach— not foreign policy or Zelensky’s wartime leadership.
A Familiar Pattern
Greene’s mischaracterization of the protests follows her long-standing opposition to supporting Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion began, she has repeatedly spoken out against U.S. aid packages, arguing they drain taxpayer dollars and fuel foreign conflicts.
In recent House speeches, she has accused the Biden administration of prioritizing Ukraine’s defense over America’s needs — echoing rhetoric used by far-right factions globally.
Critics quickly pointed out the irony of Greene’s sudden concern for democracy abroad, given her previous support for overturning the 2020 U.S. election and her backing of individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot.
As Ukrainian protesters fight to preserve hard-won democratic reforms, observers say Greene’s comments reflect a dangerous trend of disinformation and political opportunism — both at home and abroad.
