During a recent visit to the White House, Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Donald Trump displayed a friendly demeanor, marking a notable difference from the Ukrainian president’s previous visit to Washington.
In February, Zelenskyy had a more contentious meeting with Trump and his administration, where tensions ran high.
Trump’s heated remarks about ‘gambling with World War 3’ and JD Vance’s criticism of Zelenskyy’s perceived lack of gratitude for US assistance in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia made the meeting historically notable for negative reasons.
Adding to the tension, American journalist Brian Glenn criticized Zelenskyy for his choice of attire during that visit.
Glenn, Chief White House Correspondent for Real America’s Voice, questioned Zelenskyy by saying, “Why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Do you own a suit?”
For Zelenskyy’s recent meeting with Trump, he opted for a more traditional look, donning a suit, and Glenn was present to witness the change.
Glenn complimented Zelenskyy on his attire, and Trump pointed out that Glenn was the reporter who previously criticized him.
In a moment that has since gone viral, Glenn apologized for his earlier comments, only for Zelenskyy to humorously retort, “You’re wearing the same suit. I’ve changed, you have not.”
The exchange brought laughter to the room, even eliciting a chuckle from Trump.
The light-hearted moment can be viewed here:
The internet quickly reacted to Zelenskyy’s witty remark, with many praising his quick wit and charm.
One person commented, “What a clever way to put that reporter in his place while smiling.”
Another remarked, “Zelenskyy was a comedian, he knows how to deal with hecklers.”
A Twitter user added, “Ukrainians = humor + dignity. Always. Even our President proves it.”
Many admired Zelenskyy’s response, with one individual writing, “Absolutely epic burn by Zelenskyy.”
While Glenn has not addressed the incident directly on social media, he has shared related articles, seemingly embracing the situation with humor.
In contrast, after the previous encounter with Zelenskyy, Glenn took to Twitter to express his disapproval of the Ukrainian president’s fashion choices.
On March 1, Glenn tweeted, “President Zelenskyy has worn the green jumpsuit (or something similar) on every occasion when meeting other world leaders, dressed respectfully for the occasion.
“For him, once again, to enter the highest office in the most powerful nation in the world, dressed as he did, reflects his inner disrespect for not only our country, the President and the US citizens that have made it possible for Ukraine to survive as long as they have to this point. (Financially speaking).”