When President Donald Trump greeted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday, his first words were a remark on Zelensky’s attire.
“You’re all dressed up today,” Trump said, commenting on Zelensky’s black military-style sweatshirt, which featured the Ukrainian trident emblem.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Zelensky has consistently opted for military-style clothing, even during crucial meetings with world leaders or when addressing the US Congress.
Zelensky has explained that his choice of dress reflects solidarity with Ukrainian soldiers who are on the frontlines fighting the Russian forces.
However, this attire has become a point of contention for those who oppose US aid to Ukraine. After years of being a point of discussion among right-wing critics, the issue took center stage during the contentious Oval Office meeting with Trump and US Vice-President JD Vance, capturing the world’s attention.
During the meeting, a US reporter confronted Zelensky, accusing him of showing disrespect by not wearing a suit. This question, according to BBC reporters present, shifted the tone of the discussion dramatically.
Before long, the conversation evolved into an intense exchange about respect and gratitude, culminating in a heated argument between the US president, vice-president, and Zelensky, all while the cameras were rolling.
As the press conference began and reporters were allowed to ask questions, Brian Glenn, the chief White House correspondent for the conservative cable network Real America’s Voice, asked Zelensky a pointed question.
“Why don’t you wear a suit?” Glenn asked. “You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit.”
“Do you own a suit?” he continued. “A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office.”
This line of questioning marked a dramatic shift, with Zelensky, who had been engaged in a cordial and diplomatic exchange with Trump, now appearing visibly frustrated.
“I will wear costume after this war will finish,” Zelensky replied. (The word “suit” can be translated into Ukrainian as “kostyum”.)
Zelensky then made a playful remark directed at Glenn, adding, “Maybe something like yours, yes. Maybe something better, I don’t know,” which caused laughter in the room. “Maybe something cheaper.”
Glenn’s question echoed a persistent critique within Maga political circles, where some, including JD Vance, believe that Zelensky has failed to demonstrate sufficient gratitude toward the US for its extensive military aid over the past three years.
Glenn, a former local TV reporter in Dallas, became well-known within conservative circles through his work with pro-Trump media outlets, such as Right Side Broadcasting Network. He has long been an outspoken supporter of Trump. In a 2022 interview with Politico, Glenn declared that he was “100 percent behind President Trump and the America First agenda.”
Glenn has also been romantically linked to Marjorie Taylor Greene, the Georgia congresswoman and one of Trump’s staunchest allies.
Glenn’s presence at the press conference was part of the White House press pool, a group of reporters tasked with covering official events on behalf of the wider media.
This week, the Trump administration took control of the press pool, previously managed by a journalists’ association, asserting that it would allow more access to “new voices.”
Real America’s Voice, founded in 2020, is a relatively niche right-wing news outlet. It is one of several pro-Trump networks that have emerged in recent years. The channel has faced criticism for promoting conspiracy theories surrounding topics such as the 2020 election, the Capitol riot, and QAnon.
The network’s programming features several prominent figures from the Maga movement, including Trump’s former chief advisor Steve Bannon, musician-turned-activist Ted Nugent, and Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. The BBC reached out to the network for comment.
After the exchange in the Oval Office, Glenn took to social media, expressing “extreme empathy for the people of Ukraine” but asserting that Zelensky’s refusal to wear a suit demonstrated “his inner disrespect” for the US.
In response, Zelensky’s supporters online drew comparisons to Winston Churchill, who also wore casual attire during wartime. Photographs from the period show Churchill wearing a “siren suit” during visits to the White House while engaged in wartime diplomacy with US President Franklin Roosevelt.
Churchill’s “siren suit,” named after the air raid warning sirens during WWII, became iconic during his meetings with world leaders. He also wore military uniforms and formal suits during key diplomatic encounters.
The press conference quickly moved on after Glenn’s question, shifting to a discussion about US arms shipments to Ukraine. As Trump responded, he returned to the earlier topic of Zelensky’s clothing.
“I do like your clothing,” Trump said with a smile. He gestured toward Zelensky, adding, “I think he’s dressed beautifully.”
Behind closed doors, reports suggest that Trump’s team may have had a different perspective. Axios reported that White House staff had requested Zelensky wear a suit to the meeting, feeling offended when he chose not to.
Despite the tension, the meeting continued for nearly another 20 minutes, with the two leaders answering questions in a relatively cordial manner. However, the atmosphere soured after Vice-President JD Vance interjected.
Vance repeatedly raised the issue of “respect,” addressing Zelensky as “Mr President,” while Zelensky, in turn, called him “JD.” Vance went on to say, “I think it’s disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media right now.”
From there, the situation deteriorated. In the end, Zelensky left the White House, marking a low point in US-Ukrainian relations amid the ongoing war.
{Matzav.com}