Critics said the removal erodes congressional oversight and advances the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine on Friday named state Lt. Gov. Jon Husted to fill the US Senate seat recently vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance.
The Ohio Republican has been an outspoken advocate for Ukraine funding and other hawkish national security stances.
The move by Speaker Mike Johnson provides the latest evidence of a changing posture more favorable to Russia under Trump