Karoline Leavitt avoids 'direct answer' as Elon Musk is compared to Zelensky for not wearing suit in WH
WASHINGTON, DC: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was forced to comment on the dress code for meeting President Donald Trump in the White House when a reporter pointed out the apparent double standard when it came to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and tech billionaire and DOGE chair Elon Musk, reported Newsweek on Wednesday, March 4.
Zelensky has been criticized by conservatives for not wearing a suit during his meeting with Trump in the Oval Office on February 28.
The Ukrainian leader has reportedly worn military-style attire on diplomatic missions in solidarity with the troops since Russia invaded his country in 2022.
Reporter asks about President Zelensky not wearing a suit in the Oval Office: "Elon Musk never wears a suit in there. What is the dress code?"
— CSPAN (@cspan) March 5, 2025
.@PressSec Karoline Leavitt: "He wore a suit last night...I think the president liked it very much." pic.twitter.com/aCnZAugPSC
Trump himself had appreciated Zelensky's attire, saying, "I do like your clothing... I think he's dressed beautifully." However, his view was not echoed by his followers.
Fox News' Peter Doocy confronts Karoline Leavitt
During the press briefing on Wednesday, Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy questioned Leavitt on the White House dress code.
He noted that Musk, who has held press briefings with the POTUS in the Oval Office as well as been present at a Cabinet meeting, is hardly ever seen wearing a formal suit in the White House but has never received the criticism that Zelensky met on the subject.
“We know that some officials here were mad that Zelensky showed up last week without a suit for his meeting in the Oval Office. But Elon Musk never wears a suit,” Doocy observed on Wednesday.
Leavitt interjected, saying, "He did last night,” but Doocy continued, "So what is the dress code?”
Backed into a corner, Leavitt attempted to defend Musk, stating, "Well, Elon Musk wore a suit last night. I’m sure you saw it. It looked...”
“Was he spooked by Zelensky getting kicked out?” Doocy followed up, referring to the breakdown of amicable discussion between Trump and Zelensky during their last meeting.
"No, I don’t think so. I’m just pointing out that he did wear a suit last night. And I think the president liked that very much — and he looked great,” answered Leavitt.
Internet slams Karoline Leavitt for defending Elon Musk
Netizens reacting to Leavitt's response on the dress code trolled her for not clearly answering the question. The following tweets demonstrate their takes.
"Annnnnd the goal posts are moved now. Figures," wrote a user.
"Face of hypocrisy," jibed another.
"Didn’t answer the question as usual," mocked a third.
"How to avoid a direct answer," quipped a fourth.
"Yippee he wore a suit and pleased the president. That's so swell," chided a fifth.
Yippee he wore a suit and pleased the president. That's so swell.
— Cool Jane (@CoolJane17) March 6, 2025
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online
