“It’s actually very stylish, I like it”: Trump compliments Zelenskyy’s outfit at White House meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, wearing a black military-style suit that once again drew praise from the American leader. The meeting focused on the war in Ukraine and Kyiv’s request for Tomahawk missiles from the US, a request that Trump appeared hesitant to approve.

Trump complimented Zelenskyy in front of reporters, saying, “I think he looks beautiful in his jacket. I hope people notice it. It’s actually very stylish, I like it.” The remarks brought smiles and cheerful giggles from others present at the meeting.

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When asked later by a reporter about his choice of clothing, Zelenskyy explained, “Same suit because the same president, it’s very simple. Next president will have another suit.”

His choice of outfit echoed a similar moment during his August visit to the White House, where he also wore the same black suit following earlier criticism in February for not wearing formal attire.

Zelenskyy’s August visit had been marked by attention to his wardrobe. During that trip, he opted for a black suit after a reporter questioned him in February, asking, “Why don’t you wear a suit? Do you own a suit? A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting the dignity of this office.” The outfit change was widely noticed.

During the August meeting, Trump expressed surprise at Zelenskyy being “all dressed up,” while a White House reporter complimented him, saying, “President Zelenskyy, you look fabulous in that suit.”

Trump quickly interjected, saying, “I said the same thing,” and pointed out that the reporter, Brian Glenn, had criticised Zelenskyy during the previous meeting. Zelenskyy responded with humour, noting that Glenn was wearing the same outfit as before and joking, “You’re in the same suit. See, I changed, you have not.”

Zelenskyy’s latest trip to Washington followed Trump’s meeting with Russia’s Vladimir Putin in Alaska, highlighting ongoing discussions over the Ukraine war and international support for Kyiv.