Following the heated meeting at the White House between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy, an explanation as to why he didn’t wear a suit has been offered.
It’s safe to say that Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy did not see eye to eye yesterday during their high-profile meeting in front of reporters at the White House.
“All dressed up today” 😂 https://t.co/gEuLhxqvfu
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) February 28, 2025
Viewers watched on in disbelief as the discussion between the two leaders quickly descended into a verbal war of words, with Vice President JD Vance getting in some jabs as well.
But a question from one US-based journalist caught the eye, as he questioned why Zelenskyy didn’t wear a suit to the White House – something that some have branded as “disrespectful”.
According to Sky News, Trump’s team advised Zelenskyy to wear formal attire instead of his usual military-style clothing. However, the Ukrainian leader opted for an all-black ensemble, a decision that sources say set the tone for a tense encounter.
As Trump greeted Zelenskyy at the entrance to the West Wing, he remarked: “He is all dressed up today.”
As to the question asked by the journalist, the President of Ukraine replied: “I will wear a costume [kostium] when this war is finished. Maybe something like yours. Maybe something better. Maybe something cheaper.”
In Ukrainian, the word “kostium” translates to “suit”.
Elon Musk was one of the many who appeared to take a shot at Zelenskyy’s appearance, taking X to parrot Trump’s earlier comments as Zelenskyy arrived at the White House.
Some people supported Musk and Trump, as one person wrote: “He could/should have rented a suit for today. Lack of respect for the President and the White House.”
One person added: “Meeting with the President of the United States of American and he’s dress like….that?”
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More critics would brand Presdient Zelenskyy’s outfit as “disrespectful” and “awful”.
Others, however, were quick to defend the Ukrainian President.
One person replied to Musk, saying: “Zelenskyy is at war and does not feel a suit and tie is appropriate. You wear a t-shirt and a MAGA hat in the Oval Office.”
A second said: “Yeah, that’s what a leader fighting for the survival of his country against an existential threat looks like.”
“A world leader does not wear suits when he is at war,” another wrote, with a fourth writing: “He has addressed this 1000x. He said from the beginning, his country is at war and he will wear clothing that is appropriate. He will wear a suit when the war is over. He’s been dressed like this for 3 years.”
Another X user tweeted: “He wears the colours of military fatigues. It’s a visual reminder to everyone he meets that he is a President of a county at war, fighting for their very existence.”
One person even questioned: “What are your thoughts on Musk dressing like a complete douchebag in the Oval office?”
This was about the multiple images of Musk standing in the White House wearing a cap and t-shirt.
Zelenskyy, elected in 2019, has become known for his olive-green jumpers bearing the Ukrainian trident, paired with combat boots – a symbolic gesture reflecting his nation’s ongoing war and solidarity with its armed forces.
While he previously wore suits before Russia’s full-scale invasion, he has stated that he will not return to formal attire until the war ends.
Zelenskyy has maintained this stance in other high-profile meetings, including the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron.
During the Second World War, UK Prime Minister Winston Churchill also did not wear a suit when visiting the White House, as his country was at war.
Trump recently ordered that a bust of Churchill be placed back in the White House.
