At a Monday Oval Office briefing, a journalist praised Volodymyr Zelensky’s look. Donald Trump replied, saying, “It’s the same reporter who last attacked you.”
White House Summit on Ukraine
On Monday, August 18, a summit on the Ukraine war was held at the White House. Zelensky later described his conversation with Trump as “the best meeting” he has had with Trump to date. BBC noted that this time Zelensky wore a suit with a collar, a departure from the classic style, earning compliments from Trump. In the first minutes of his speech, the Ukrainian president thanked Trump 16 times. Earlier this year in March, Vice President J.D. Vance rebuked Zelensky for lack of gratitude.
Journalist Complimented Zelensky
During the Oval Office meeting, a journalist praised Zelensky’s attire. “You look great in that suit,” he shouted. “I said the same,” Trump replied. He then turned to Zelensky: “It’s the same reporter who last attacked you.” “I remember. He’s in the same suit. I changed, you didn’t,” Zelensky retorted.
Ukrainians Expelled from the White House
During a previous visit of the Ukrainian president to the White House, a journalist from the right-wing station Real America’s Voice, Brian Glenn, asked the leader why he did not wear a suit. The conversations were eventually cut short, and the Ukrainians were expelled from the White House. Media reports indicated that Zelensky’s attire was one reason. As reported, the White House this time asked the Ukrainian side whether the president would wear a suit. One of Trump’s advisers joked in with Axios that if Zelensky wore a suit it would be a “good sign of peace.” “We do not expect him to do that,” added the adviser.
