Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky drew attention for his attire during Monday’s Oval Office sitdown with US President Donald Trump, earning compliments from Brian Glenn, chief White House correspondent for conservative outlet Real America’s Voice.
“President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit,” Glenn – who is dating Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) – told the 47-year-old Ukrainian leader during a gaggle with reporters. “
You look good.”
Donald Trump Praises Zelensky’s Attire
President Trump joined in with a lighthearted remark, noting he had told Zelensky the same thing and referencing Glenn’s previous critique of Zelensky’s wardrobe.
“I apologize to you. You look wonderful,” Glenn added, prompting a smile from Zelensky, who gestured toward Glenn’s own suit and quipped, “It’s the same suit. You see, I have changed; you have not.”
REPORTER: “You look fabulous in that suit!”@POTUS: “I said the same thing!”
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 18, 2025
Laughter erupted in the Oval Office from officials and White House pool reporters.
Why Zelensky Wears Signature Military-Style Attire
Traditionally, Zelensky has favored a military-style sweatshirt featuring a black or green Ukrainian trident, symbolizing his country’s fight for freedom amid Russia’s invasion.
During Zelensky’s prior White House visit on February 28, his choice of attire had become a point of contention. At that time, President Trump remarked, “You’re all dressed up today,” while Glenn pressed the Ukrainian leader during a gaggle in front of TV cameras.
“Why don’t you wear a suit?” Glenn asked. “You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit? A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office.”
Zelensky responded, defending his decision, “I will wear costume after this war will finish.” Notably, in Ukrainian, the word for suit sounds similar to the English word “costume.”
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
