A US White House correspondent questioned Volodymyr Zelensky about his outfit selection while in Washington, DC, and his response garnered him praise on the internet.
Although the main topics of conversation during Friday’s (February 28) intense meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his US counterpart, Donald Trump, were war and trade, the focus has shifted to the former’s social media wardrobe choices.
Real America’s Voice Chief White House Correspondent Brian Glenn asked Zelensky about his casual attire while Trump’s Cabinet team watched: “Why don’t you wear a suit? Even though you hold the highest position in this nation’s office, you refuse to dress in a suit.
Vice President J.D. Vance laughed, but Glenn persisted, questioning whether Zelensky even had a suit. “Problems?” the Ukrainian asked, unfazed. Glenn confirmed that: “Yes, a lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting this office.”
Q: "Why don't you wear a suit?"
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: "I will wear costume after this war will finish." pic.twitter.com/FzJqjIAQHa
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 28, 2025
Then Zelensky shot back: “After this war is over, I’ll wear (a) costume. I’m not sure, but it might be something better or similar to yours. We’ll see. Perhaps something less expensive.
The interaction came after Trump made a joke to the waiting media when Zelensky first arrived at the White House: “He’s all dressed up today!” And when Trump later admitted inside the Oval Office that he liked Zelensky’s attire, Zelensky merely asked, “Oh really?”
Meanwhile, a video clip that captured Glenn questioning the two leaders following their meeting went viral on X, garnering nearly 10 million views in a single day. Many people rushed to Zelensky’s defense after the video sparked an online debate.
Elon Musk is frequently spotted wearing casual clothing, as critics noted. “What was Elon Musk’s excuse for wearing a t-shirt to a Cabinet meeting and a hat?” a user on X asked. Another commented: “Why wasn’t the same question posed to Elon? Their goal was to surprise Zelensky.
A third supporter made the following argument: “When Elon Musk is permitted to attend the Cabinet meeting wearing a baseball cap and t-shirt, nobody has the right to even make comments about President Zelensky’s attire! Why don’t they inquire as to whether Elon Musk owns a suit or why he never dons one?
However, some took Glenn’s side, arguing that Zelensky ought to have dressed more “respectfully.” “Zelenskyy is not just arrogant, he’s cocky with a terrible attitude, he showed nothing but contempt and complete disrespect to the President of the United States of America and to visit the White House,” said one person. There is a famous building that has housed many of the greatest men in history. Giving the American people “two fingers” is equivalent to not wearing a suit.
“Is this guy kidding?” added another angry commenter. That question was serious. The fact that he doesn’t dress like he should for the nation’s highest office has many people curious and furious! It is impolite.
On X, it was also noted that Zelensky may have misinterpreted Glenn’s query. His sardonic response might have been slightly misunderstood because the Ukrainian word “kostyum” means “suit” in English.
