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By Jesus Mesa and Gabe Whisnant
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During Wednesday afternoon's press conference, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about President Donald Trump administration's "dress code" after comparisons of the attire worn by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and billionaire Trump ally Elon Musk.
Why It Matters
Republicans have criticized Zelensky for not wearing a suit during his controversial visit to the Oval Office on Friday—a common refrain conservative lawmakers have used during previous visits from the Ukrainian leader.
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Trump, who had initially greeted Zelensky with a remark about him being "dressed up today," later seemed to soften his stance. "I do like your clothing," he quipped, adding, "I think he's dressed beautifully."
The debate over Zelensky's clothing has been a recurring theme since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Ukrainian president has consistently worn military-style attire during diplomatic missions as a symbol of solidarity with his troops.
The criticisms come as Musk frequently wears his casual "Dark MAGA" outfit at the White House.
What To Know
During a press briefing on Wednesday, Fox News' Peter Doocy directly questioned Leavitt on the apparent inconsistency.
"Elon Musk never wears a suit in [the Oval Office]. So, what is the dress code?" Doocy asked.
Leavitt responded, "Well, Elon Musk wore a suit last night." Doocy then followed up, quipping, "Was he spooked by Zelensky getting kicked out?" to which Leavitt replied, "No, I don't think so."
The exchange came after Zelensky's attire became a flashpoint for criticism from conservative figures, who argued that he should have dressed formally during his recent White House meeting. The issue reached a boiling point when Brian Glenn, a correspondent for the conservative network Real America's Voice, questioned Zelensky directly about his outfit.
"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?" The line of questioning, which framed Zelensky's attire as a sign of disrespect to the U.S., shifted the tone of the meeting.
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Zelensky, appearing visibly irritated, responded, "I will wear [a] costume after this war will finish...Maybe something like yours, yes. Maybe something better, I don't know," he said, eliciting laughter in the room.
Following last week's meeting blowup, Trump further criticized Zelensky on Truth Social: "I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don't want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace."
Zelensky had come to the White House to shore up American support for Ukraine as it attempts to fend off Russian President Vladimir Putin's unprovoked military invasion.
What People Are Saying
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday: "I will wear a costume after this war finishes."
U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday: "I think he's [Zelensky] dressed beautifully."
Ed Krassenstein, internet personality and frequent Trump critic, on X: "If Zelensky is disrespecting America by not wearing a suit in the Oval Office, does that mean Elon Musk is disrespecting America too?"
What Happens Next
As tensions persist, questions remain over how Trump's approach to diplomacy will influence U.S. support for Ukraine and its allies. With ongoing geopolitical shifts, the implications of the latest confrontation could reverberate well beyond the White House.
Update: 3/5/25, 2:59 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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