Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the White House to sign a deal on rare minerals, but his meeting with President Donald Trump quickly turned chaotic. A reporter questioned Zelensky’s choice of clothing, prompting a defensive response from the Ukrainian leader who stated he would wear a suit after the war ended. Trump later commented positively on Zelensky’s attire. The discussion escalated when Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky for being ungrateful for U.S. support during the ongoing Ukraine conflict. The event culminated in a tense exchange, with Trump suggesting Zelensky could return when ready for peace.
Washington:
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made his way to the White House on Friday to finalize a deal regarding rare minerals, but his discussion with US President Donald Trump quickly spiraled into chaos in front of the international press inside the Oval Office.
Prior to their tumultuous exchange, Zelensky, donning his signature attire, was queried by a journalist about his choice of clothing for a meeting in what is considered the “highest level” office in the United States.
“Why aren’t you wearing a suit? Do you own one?” the reporter asked, eliciting laughter from Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and other senior officials present.
“Do you have a problem?” Zelensky retorted to the journalist.
“Many Americans take issue with those who don’t adhere to the Oval Office dress code,” the reporter replied.
Zelensky then declared he would don a suit once the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which ignited in 2022, reaches a conclusion.
“I will wear a (suit) costume after this war is over, yes. Perhaps something like yours, yes, or maybe even nicer. I don’t know, we will see. Perhaps something less expensive. Thank you,” he replied.
Q: “Why aren’t you wearing a suit?”
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy: “I will wear a costume after this war is finished.” pic.twitter.com/FzJqjIAQHa
— CSPAN (@cspan) February 28, 2025
Trump interjected at this point, expressing that he “liked” Zelensky’s outfit.
A moment of levity in the Oval Office: “I do like your clothing, by the way.” pic.twitter.com/6kkqcpzvf2
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 28, 2025
This wasn’t the first instance of Zelensky sporting his distinctive attire. He had previously worn it in meetings with other world leaders and even during his speech to the UN General Assembly in 2023.
However, numerous social media users referenced billionaire Elon Musk, a close ally of Trump, noting that he appears at cabinet meetings in a t-shirt and baseball cap.
“What was Elon Musk’s excuse for showing up to a cabinet meeting in a T-shirt and hat?” a user commented on X.
Another user shared a photograph of Musk at Trump’s inaugural cabinet meeting on February 26, dressed casually in a t-shirt, jacket, and a cap with the slogan of Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) movement.
“WHY doesn’t THIS guy wear a suit?” the user questioned.
WHY doesn’t THIS guy wear a suit? pic.twitter.com/ZAQHWYjIob
— The Resistor Sister®️♥️🇺🇸 (@the_resistor) February 28, 2025
“Nobody has the right to critique Prez Zelensky’s outfit when Em (Elon Musk) is allowed into the Cabinet meeting in a t-shirt and baseball cap! Why don’t they ask Em if he owns a suit, or why he never wears one!” noted another user.
The Trump-Zelensky Clash At White House
Donald Trump’s first encounter with Volodymyr Zelensky since his return to power in January commenced with flattery but quickly escalated into a heated debate.
The meeting began warmly with handshakes and smiles but became explosive when JD Vance emphasized the necessity of diplomacy to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which was initiated when Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion three years earlier.
The US Vice President also accused Zelensky of not being “grateful” for US support when the Ukrainian leader questioned calls for “diplomacy” with Russia.
.@VP: “Do you believe it’s respectful to come to the Oval Office of the United States of America and confront the administration that is trying to prevent the annihilation of your nation?”@POTUS: “You don’t have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards … You’re… pic.twitter.com/iTYyAmfuCJ
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 28, 2025
Trump then joined in, supporting his deputy.
Following the intense exchange, he stated on social media that Zelensky “can return when he is prepared for peace.”