The White House has responded to “double standards” over Elon Musk’s attire after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was criticized for not wearing a suit.
Zelenskyy, who has consistently worn military-style clothing since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, came under fire last week after meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss a potential peace deal.
The meeting quickly turned heated when Vice President JD Vance, 40, accused the 47-year-old of disrespecting the US and insisted that he should “thank” America for its efforts to resolve the war.
“I think it’s disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office and try to litigate this in front of the American media,” he bluntly stated.
The Ukrainian leader hit back by asking if the VP had even visited Ukraine during the war before remarking that the US “will feel it in the future” with regard to the impact of war.
The response seemed to unnerve President Trump, who raised his voice at Zelenskyy and criticized his handling of the war.
“Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel… We’re trying to solve a problem. Don’t tell us what we’re gonna feel,” he said. “You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. Your people are dying. You’re running low on soldiers.
“I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States,” he said, adding that the president was “gambling with millions of lives” and “World War III”.
Beyond the political tensions, Zelenskyy’s choice of attire also became a talking point during the press conference that followed.
Right-wing reporter Brian Glenn took aim at the Ukrainian president, questioning why he did not dress more formally.
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“Why don’t you wear a suit?” Glenn asked, adding: “You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit.”
Zelenskyy, who was unfazed by the criticism, responded by saying: “I will wear costume [a Ukrainian translation for suit is ‘kostyum’] after this war will finish… maybe something like yours, maybe something better, maybe something cheaper.”
The debate over political dress codes resurfaced when members of the media pointed out that Musk, who leads Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), often attends cabinet meetings in casual attire, including t-shirts and baseball caps.
At a recent White House press briefing, Fox News senior correspondent Peter Doocy confronted press secretary Karoline Leavitt about the apparent inconsistency.
“You know that some officials here were miffed that Zelensky showed up last week without a suit for his meeting in the Oval Office. But Elon Musk never wears a suit,” Doocy noted, cited by The Independent.
Leavitt was quick to respond, pointing out that Musk “did last night” – the evening the President delivered his speech to Congress.
Pressed further on whether Musk’s decision to wear formal attire was influenced by the previous week’s controversy over Zelenskyy, Leavitt dismissed the idea.
“No, I don’t think so,” she said. “I’m just pointing out that he did wear a suit last night, and I think the president liked that very much, and he looked great.”
