Tyler Reporter

Congressman Lance Gooden has called for an investigation into the recent visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Pennsylvania, citing potential misuse of taxpayer funds and violations of U.S. law.

President Zelensky visited a facility producing ammunition for Ukraine on Sunday, accompanied by Democratic figures such as Governor Josh Shapiro, Senator Bob Casey, and Representative Matt Cartwright. During his visit, Zelensky made remarks critical of the Trump-Vance ticket while refraining from criticizing Kamala Harris. Congressman Gooden claims these comments resemble talking points from the Harris-Walz campaign rather than diplomatic statements.

"Using American taxpayer dollars to fund what was clearly a campaign-style event for the Democrats is unacceptable and likely illegal," stated Congressman Gooden. "The American public deserves a full explanation and accountability for this blatant politicization of foreign diplomacy."

Gooden's demands include:

- An investigation into unauthorized political use of a U.S. Air Force C-17.

- A detailed accounting of all taxpayer funds used for Zelensky’s security and transportation.

- Examination of potential Hatch Act violations concerning government resources used for political campaigning.

- Scrutiny over possible coordination between Zelensky’s itinerary and Democratic campaigns, particularly noting the exclusion of Republican officials from events.

Gooden emphasized that all relevant documents and communications must be preserved to ensure a thorough investigation.

"Utilizing taxpayer dollars to parade a foreign leader around, who then attacks a major party ticket days before a presidential election, is textbook election interference and a clear violation of the Hatch Act. This is not only a gross misuse of public funds; it’s an outrageous manipulation of our democratic processes," said Gooden.

Several colleagues joined Rep. Gooden in this call: Ralph Norman (R-SC), Mary Miller (R-IL), Clay Higgins (R-LA), Michael Cloud (R-TX), Harriet Hageman (R-MT), Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Eric Burlison (R-MO).

###