During Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the White House on Monday, he spoke with a familiar figure – a right-wing journalist who called on Zelensky to choose his outfits in a controversial meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year.
However, the tone and clothing are obviously different this time.
“You look great on this suit,” said Brian Glenn of Pro-Trump Pundit.
“I said the same thing,” Trump said, turning to Zelensky and telling him: “Isn't that great? This is the guy who attacked you last time.”
Zelensky, wearing a full black jacket, shirt and casual pants from Ukrainian fashion designer Viktor Anisimov, quipped to reporters: “You are wearing the same suit. I change my clothes, you don't.”
It seemed like a harmless exchange – but Zelensky's change in the closet reflects the tactical shift he has taken over months since the disastrous meeting in February, when Trump and Vice President JD Vance laughed at the Ukrainian president, who called him disrespect and impolite before the world.
The Oval Office's blowout argument is about all kinds of things: U.S. leaders accuse Zelensky of reaching a peace deal with Russia, and Zelensky expressed doubts about the diplomatic concept of a country that invaded Ukraine.
But before all this, it's about Zelensky's outfit.
Since the beginning of the war, Zelensky has been known for his military-style shirts, usually wearing green or black army and cargo pants. This is the clothes he wore in many of the TV countries speeches and speeches he made throughout the conflict—as if to remind his audience that they were looking for wartime leaders.
The outfit is widely regarded as a gesture of unity with the Ukrainian army and has become synonymous with Zelensky. But Trump was immediately upset when he showed up in his usual minimalist outfit to the White House in February. “Oh, you guys are all dressed up,” he said sarcastically as he greeted Zelensky and shook hands.
Trump specifically refers to the performer and former TV host who has carefully cultivated his image over the years from accustomed to suits and a love for all gold medals (now covered in the colors of the White House, from the golden Chelbooth in the Oval Office to the golden monster on the cape).
Before the Oval Office meeting turned into a yelling game, journalist Glenn asked Zelensky why he wasn't wearing a suit in the highest office in the United States.
Zelensky responded in English: “After this war, I will wear a costume, yes.”
“Maybe like you, yes, maybe something better. I don't know, we'll see it. Maybe it's cheaper. Thanks.”
Things go south from there.
But almost immediately afterwards, Zelensky was under control of damage – publicly thanking Trump and the U.S. for his support for Ukraine and working to repair his relationship with the president.
In the subsequent match against Trump this year, Zelensky also chose more formal outfits, including at the funeral of Pope Francis in the Vatican and at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, where he wore another suit from Anisimov.
He has been directed by some European leaders how to better engage in a better attitude with his opponents – many leaders appeared at the White House on Monday, demonstrating Western solidarity and support.
This time, Zelensky even tailored his gifts to reflect Trump's love for golf. According to the Ukrainian presidential office, he showed Trump a particularly special club that was passed to him by an injured Ukrainian soldier who lost his leg in the first few months of the Russian full-scale invasion.
At a meeting on Monday, U.S. and Ukrainian officials discussed Zelensky's outfits – and it is understood that he should not wear his usual military outfit.
The suit still nodded to the army, made of Army canvas fabric, with patch pockets on the chest and back rows and sleeves of the jacket.
He wrote: “In every piece, there is a classic suit idea – away from uniforms and deliberate walking towards refined, solemn existence while still being true to wartime reality.”
It seems that the new look has paid off – even Glenn takes a reconciliation after Trump praised Zelensky’s outfit.
“I apologize to you,” Glenn refers to their February interaction. “You look great.”