Bacon calls Trump 'the new Chamberlain' over Russia policy [View all]

Source: Roll Call

Posted December 12, 2025 at 8:53pm


Rep. Don Bacon, a senior member of House Armed Services Committee who does not plan to run for reelection next year, has long taken exception to Donald Trump’s approach to Russia — but the Nebraska Republican has escalated his criticism following the administration’s release of a new policy document.

The 2025 National Security Strategy that the White House made public Dec. 5, raised eyebrows in Washington for mentioning Russia only in passing while criticizing European allies. The strategy reflects Trump’s apparent predilection for Russia and his cordial relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“They’re saying he’s the new Reagan. He’s the new Chamberlain,” Bacon said of Trump, an apparent reference to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s description of Trump in a Dec. 6 speech as “the true and rightful heir of Ronald Reagan.” In referencing Neville Chamberlain, Bacon was taking issue with an the administration’s suggestion that Ukraine trade territory for peace in order to end Russia’s invasion.

Chamberlain was the British prime minister who signed a deal in late 1938 to give part of what was then Czechoslovakia to Adolph Hitler, only to see Hitler respond by invading the country several months later, gain control of Czech border fortifications and trigger World War II.

Read more: https://rollcall.com/2025/12/12/bacon-calls-trump-the-new-chamberlain-over-russia-policy/