Zelensky changed his tactics for Trump this time – and his outfit

During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the White House on Monday, he spoke with a familiar figure – a right-wing reporter who had famously called out his choice of attire during Zelensky’s contentious meeting with President Donald Trump earlier in the year.

This time, however, the tone – and the clothing – was markedly different.

“You look fabulous in that suit,” said Brian Glenn, a pro-Trump pundit who works for MAGA streaming startup Real America’s Voice.

Trump added, “I said the same thing,” turning to Zelensky and saying, “Isn’t that nice? That’s who attacked you the last time.

“You are wearing the same suit,” Zelensky joked to the reporter while sporting a sharp black field jacket, black shirt, and black slacks. You didn’t change; I did.

Although it may appear to be a harmless conversation, Zelensky’s new attire reflects the change in strategy he has adopted in the months since that disastrous meeting in February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance criticized the Ukrainian president in front of the world’s cameras, calling him rude and unappreciative.

The heated dispute in the Oval Office centered on a number of issues: Zelensky expressed skepticism about the idea of negotiating with the nation that had invaded Ukraine, while American authorities accused him of obstructing a peace deal with Russia.

But first, there was the matter of Zelensky’s attire.

Since the start of the war, Zelensky has gained notoriety for his cargo pants and military-inspired shirts, which are usually black or army green. His attire serves as a reminder to his audience that they are witnessing a wartime leader in the numerous nationally televised speeches and addresses he has given throughout the battle.

The group has come to represent Zelensky and is often seen as a show of support for Ukrainian forces. However, Trump was immediately unhappy when he arrived at the White House in February wearing his typical minimalist attire. He welcomed Zelensky and shook his hand, saying sarcastically, “Oh, you’re all dressed up.”

Trump, a showman and former TV host who has painstakingly built his image over the years, from his traditional suit and tie to his love of all things gold (which now adorns the White House, from gold cherubs in the Oval Office to gold figurines on the mantle), seemed especially pointed.

Glenn, the reporter, questioned Zelensky about why he wasn’t wearing a suit at the highest office of the United States before the discussion at the Oval Office turned into a brawl.

“Yes,” Zelensky replied in English, “I will don a costume once this war is over.”

“Yes, perhaps something greater, but perhaps something similar to yours. We shall see. I am not sure. Something less expensive, perhaps. Thank you.

From there, things took a turn for the worst.

Almost immediately afterward, however, Zelensky worked to mend his connection with Trump by publicly thanking him and the United States for their support of Ukraine.

In a demonstration of Western solidarity and support, numerous European leaders who have given him coaching on how to better approach his counterpart were there at the White House on Monday.

Zelensky also dressed more formally for later meetings with Trump this year, such as a NATO summit in the Netherlands and the Vatican for Pope Francis’ funeral.

US and Ukrainian officials talked about Zelensky’s outfit before Monday’s meeting, with the agreement that he shouldn’t show up in his typical military garb, according to a European diplomat.

Their move seems to have paid off, as even Glenn adopted an accommodative stance following Trump’s commendation of Zelensky’s new appearance.

Glenn said, “I apologize to you,” alluding to their exchange from February. “You look fantastic.”