Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faced questioning and comments over his choice to wear combat gear during a Friday White House visit originally etched out for peace meetings but instead marked by a heated exchange in the Oval Office.
“Why don’t you wear a suit? You’re in the highest level of this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit? I just want to see, do you own a suit?” Brian Glenn, a commentator for the Real America’s Voice outlet, asked Zelensky.
Brian Glenn: Why don’t you wear a suit?!? Do you own a suit? pic.twitter.com/p1gdffSPkJ
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 28, 2025
“A lot of Americans have problems with you respecting this office.”
The foreign leader quickly jabbed back with a sarcastic remark.
“I will wear costume after this war will finish,” Zelensky said, possibly using the word “kostyum,” meaning “suit” in Ukrainian, per Google Translate.
“Maybe something like yours, yes, maybe something better, I don’t know,” Zelensky added.
Upon his arrival, Trump appeared to jokingly tell reporters Zelensky was “all dressed up today” while greeting the leader at the North portico. Zelensky’s attire consisted of an all-black slim cargo uniform and combat boots.
Zelensky notably wore similar clothing for his past meetings with former President Biden, members of Congress and other appearances in the U.S.
Before today, the Ukrainian leader had visited the White House four times since September 2023. However, none of the trips has ended as abruptly and as uncertain as Friday’s botched bilateral meeting.
Zelensky tangled with Trump and Vice President Vance in front of cameras and was pressed to show gratitude for the U.S. dollars poured into security assistance packages and weaponry to the war-torn country.
The Ukrainian leader declared his gratitude but was ultimately roughed up by the president, who said Zelensky has no playing cards or current standing in peace negotiations.
“Don’t tell us what we’re going to feel because you’re in no position … to dictate what we’re going to feel,” Trump said, chiding Zelensky.
“We’re going to feel very good and very strong. You’re right now, not in a very good position.”
After the conversation, hopes for a ceasefire quickly faded as the Ukrainian leader quickly left the premises.
White House officials claimed it was at the president’s dismissal.
Zelensky also canceled his appearance at the Hudson Institute, a D.C.-based think tank.
He is still scheduled to appear for a joint interview with Fox New’s Brett Baier at 6 p.m. Friday.
Here’s how social media users reacted to the situation
What Zelensky should’ve done in the Oval Office today: pic.twitter.com/kYOGlELYsM
— Andrea 🇮🇹🇪🇺🇨🇴🇬🇱 Renzi Hate Account (@ClassicalSocdem) February 28, 2025
I wish Trump spoke to Netanyahu the way he talks to Zelensky…
— Jackson Hinkle 🇺🇸 (@jacksonhinklle) February 28, 2025
This dude has the audacity to ask Zelensky why he’s not wearing a shirt…
Go ask Musk the same thing, you little lackey prick
And KUDOS to how Zelensky answered. pic.twitter.com/gnEZCEdua0
— Marina Purkiss (@MarinaPurkiss) February 28, 2025
Marjorie Taylor Greene’s boyfriend, Brian Glenn, asked Zelensky why he wasn’t wearing a suit in the Oval Office today.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk: pic.twitter.com/MyCbS99qVi
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) February 28, 2025
Not enough people are talking about this absolutely ridiculous moment when Brian Glenn (who is reportedly dating Marjorie Taylor Greene) asked Zelensky, “Why don’t you wear a suit?!? Do you own a suit?”
Absolutely pathetic and embarrassing.
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) February 28, 2025