Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky got his sartorial revenge at the White House, enjoying the last laugh against his greatest foe in the United States media.
Brian Glenn, White House reporter for Real America’s Voice, and the boyfriend of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), complimented Zelensky during the Ukrainian leader’s Monday press conference with President Donald Trump.
“President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit!” Glenn said before asking his question.
“I said the same thing,” Trump added, pointing to Glenn and telling Zelensky that he was “the one who attacked you last time.”
“I remember,” Zelensky responded, smiling and nodding.
Zelensky’s wardrobe at his previous White House meeting with Trump in February — a black military-style shirt with the insignia of the Ukrainian armed forces — was part of an unexpected diplomatic firestorm that damaged U.S.-Ukraine relations for months.
Trump reportedly expressed dissatisfaction at the Ukrainian leader’s lack of formal dress, sarcastically remarking that Zelensky was “all dressed up.”
“Why don’t you wear a suit?” Glenn pointedly asked Zelensky at that first press conference. “You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit.” Zelensky shot back: “I will wear a costume when this war is finished.”
This time, however, Zelensky had the last word.
“And you are in the same suit,” Zelensky said to Glenn, smiling. “You see, I’ve changed. You have not.”
The joke elicited a surprised laugh from Trump.
“I think it’s true,” the president laughed. “That’s very good.”
The overall congenial atmosphere in the Oval Office on Monday couldn’t have been further from February’s disastrous encounter that played out in front of the world’s media.
In addition to the nitpicking about clothes, Zelensky was taken to task by Vice President JD Vance over his perceived lack of gratitude for U.S. assistance. When Zelensky and Vance began arguing, Trump snapped, telling the Ukrainian, “Your country is in big trouble.”
ZELENSKY WEIGHS LAND CONCESSIONS AND US-BACKED SECURITY AHEAD OF WHITE HOUSE MEETING
The extraordinary scene ultimately ruined planned negotiations for a mineral deal, with Zelensky being unceremoniously booted from the White House.
Zelensky, now joined by a posse of European leaders, is hoping that his talks will set the stage for a trilateral meeting with Trump and Putin to drag a peace deal across the finish line.
The Ukrainian leader is expressing positivity about the situation, confident that an agreement can be reached to “defend Ukraine [and] effectively guarantee security” — and that Ukrainians “will always be grateful to President Trump, everyone in America, and every partner and ally for their support and invaluable assistance.”
