Texas Representative Jasmine Crockett did not hold back in her scathing criticism of former President Donald Trump following his joint address to Congress on Tuesday night. In a candid interview with attorney Joe Gallina, Crockett blasted Trump’s foreign policy moves, particularly his handling of Ukraine, Russia, and economic decisions that could significantly impact American consumers.
When asked what she would say to Trump if given the chance, Crockett responded bluntly: “I would tell him to grow a spine and stop being Putin’s ho.”
Her remark was a direct shot at Trump’s increasingly friendly posture toward Russian President Vladimir Putin. She continued, “That’s all we got right now, is Putin’s little ho that is out here really doing the bidding of Russia in a way we’ve never seen an American president do.”
Crockett’s comments come amid escalating tensions over Trump’s foreign policy stance, particularly his handling of the U.S. relationship with Ukraine. Last week, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, a meeting that reportedly devolved into a heated argument involving Vice President J.D. Vance.
Trump allies later accused Zelensky of disrespecting the United States, while Democrats condemned Trump and Vance for what they described as a betrayal of a key ally.
Crockett pointed to that meeting as proof that Trump is failing on the global stage, arguing that his lack of diplomacy is hurting both the U.S. and its allies.
“For those that believe that we should only focus on the United States, this is a focus on the United States,” Crockett said. “We need a president that understands what diplomacy looks like, and it doesn’t look like the disgrace that we saw that took place in the Oval Office.”
Her remarks also come as Trump ramps up criticism of Zelensky while simultaneously showing increasing deference to Moscow. This week, the White House announced a pause on military aid to Ukraine, along with halting intelligence sharing—moves widely seen as a gift to Putin.
Beyond foreign policy, Crockett also took aim at Trump’s economic decisions, particularly his tariff policies. She accused him of undermining relationships with key North American allies, saying his approach is causing unnecessary strain with Canada and Mexico.
“Diplomacy doesn’t look like sh—ting on our allies by telling them we’re going to impose tariffs to the north and the south of us,” she said, referring to Trump’s plan to slap tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports.
Crockett warned that these tariffs would have a direct and painful impact on American consumers, particularly when it comes to construction and food prices.
“So much of our lumber and steel come from Canada,” she explained. “Americans will see housing costs go through the roof.”
The same, she argued, would happen with groceries, especially fruits and vegetables imported from Mexico.
“As people are still complaining about their eggs, now they’re going to have to worry about the rest of their groceries,” Crockett said, referencing the ongoing concerns over inflation and rising costs.
While Trump has long defended tariffs as a way to boost American industry and leverage better trade deals, critics—including Crockett—argue that they ultimately lead to higher prices for consumers while straining relationships with key trading partners.
She also pointed out that retaliatory tariffs from Canada and Mexico were expected, which would further drive up prices for U.S. goods abroad. Instead of picking trade fights, she argued, Trump should be working with allies to find solutions that would actually help lower costs for Americans.
Beyond policy, Crockett criticized Trump’s approach to leadership, accusing him of treating the presidency as a ratings-driven spectacle rather than a serious responsibility.
“Listen, it is time for him to grow a pair and start to do the work of an American president and stop pretending that he is on some terrible reality TV show that is looking for ratings,” she said.
Crockett suggested that Americans should stop paying attention to Trump’s theatrics and instead focus on real issues.
“I am hoping that America turns off the TV today and tunes into people like you,” she told Gallina, arguing that Trump’s focus has never been on governing but rather on maintaining attention and media coverage.
Crockett has gained a reputation for her blunt and direct style, which has led to her rising profile within the Democratic Party. Whether during congressional hearings or media interviews, she has not shied away from using strong language to call out what she sees as failures in leadership.
Her exchange with Gallina follows another headline-grabbing remark last week, when the attorney asked her what she would say to billionaire Elon Musk if given the opportunity.
Her response was simple: “F— off.”
While her approach has drawn both praise and criticism, there is no doubt that Crockett has positioned herself as one of the most outspoken voices against Trump and his policies.
As Trump continues to shape the GOP’s direction and prepares for a potential political comeback, figures like Crockett will likely play a central role in challenging his influence and calling attention to what they see as the dangers of his leadership.
For now, though, Crockett’s message to Trump remains crystal clear: Stop bowing to Putin, stop sabotaging the economy, and start acting like a real leader.
