When asked about his attire while in Washington, DC, by a US White House correspondent, Volodymyr Zelensky’s remark won him accolades online.
While the primary subjects of discussion at Friday’s (February 28) intense meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were trade and war, the attention has turned to the former’s social media attire choices.
Voice of Real America In front of Trump’s Cabinet team, Chief White House Correspondent Brian Glenn questioned Zelensky about his casual dress, saying, “Why don’t you wear a suit? You are the most powerful person in this country, yet you still don’t wear a suit.
J.D. Vance, the vice president, chuckled, but Glenn asked if Zelensky had a suit at all. “Difficulties?” the Ukrainian enquired, unconcerned. “Yes,” Glenn acknowledged, “many Americans have issues with you not respecting this office.”
Q: "Why don't you wear a suit?"
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 28, 2025
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: "I will wear costume after this war will finish." pic.twitter.com/FzJqjIAQHa
“After this war is over, I’ll wear (a) costume,” Zelensky retorted. Though I’m not positive, it might be something better or comparable to what you have. Let’s see. Something cheaper, maybe.
The exchange occurred after Trump joked, “He’s all dressed up today!” to the media that was waiting when Zelensky initially arrived at the White House. In the Oval Office, Zelensky just said, “Oh really?” President Trump later acknowledged that he liked Zelensky’s outfit.
After the two leaders met, a video clip of Glenn interrogating them became popular on X, receiving almost 10 million views in a single day. Following an internet debate triggered by the video, many individuals flocked to Zelensky’s defence.
According to detractors, Elon Musk is often seen in casual attire. “What was Elon Musk’s justification for wearing a hat and a t-shirt to a Cabinet meeting?” a user on X posed. “Why wasn’t Elon asked the same question?” another person asked. They wanted to catch Zelensky off guard.
A third fan argued: “No one has the right to even comment on President Zelensky’s wardrobe when Elon Musk is allowed to attend the Cabinet meeting wearing a baseball cap and t-shirt! They should ask whether Elon Musk has a suit or why he never wears one.
Nonetheless, several sided with Glenn, claiming that Zelensky should have dressed more “respectfully.” “Zelenskyy is not just conceited, he’s cocky with a terrible attitude, and he showed nothing but contempt and complete disrespect to the President of the United States of America and to visit the White House,” one individual remarked. Numerous prominent personalities throughout history have resided in a well-known structure. It would be the same as not wearing a suit to give the American people “two fingers.”
“Is this guy serious?” another irate commenter remarked. That was a serious question. He doesn’t dress appropriately for the highest job in the country, which has many people inquisitive and furious! It is rude.
Zelensky might have misunderstood Glenn’s question, it was also mentioned on X. Given that the English word “kostyum” means “suit” in Ukrainian, his caustic reply may have been misinterpreted.
