Zelensky surprises Trump with new look at White House meeting as he ditches combat gear for black suit

WASHINGTON, DC: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky showed up at the White House on Monday looking rather sharp.

Instead of his trademark military gear, Zelensky wore a “suit-style” black jacket over a buttoned-up black collared shirt. It was a noticeable step up from the black military sweater he sported during his famously disastrous February sit-down with President Donald Trump.

Trump was actually impressed this time. Spotting the wardrobe glow-up, the president put his arm around Zelensky and remarked on the upgraded look.

The new outfit seemed to be a nod of respect to the Oval Office.

Reading Zelensky's suit-up look

Body language expert Judi James told the Daily Mail that the jacket-shirt combo without a tie was a calculated move. According to her, it signaled “a concession” that Zelensky could bend a little, but just enough to also suggest toughness that could rankle Trump.

Zelensky’s fashion gamble even earned him some unexpected love from reporter Brian Glenn of conservative Real America’s Voice. Glenn had previously scolded Zelensky for skipping formal attire, but gave him a rare compliment this time around. “President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit," he gushed.

Trump chimed in, “I said the same thing...that’s the one that attacked you last time.”

“I remember,” Zelensky shot back.

Earlier that same day, however, Zelensky stuck to his usual uniform of a plain black T-shirt when he met Trump’s special representative for Ukraine, General Keith Kellogg, who showed up in a gray pinstripe suit.

Zelensky's wardrobe wars

Since Russia rolled into Ukraine, Zelensky has made his rugged military look part of his personal brand. It features olive fatigues, khaki jackets, combat boots, even polos, all meant as a visual reminder that his country is still in the trenches.

But the Ukrainian leader has started tweaking that image under pressure. At NATO in June, he ditched the fatigues for another black jacket over a buttoned shirt. In April, at Pope Francis’ funeral, he wore a tailored field jacket with patch pockets for a brief pull-aside with Trump.

Back in February, though, it was a different story. Trump famously pointed out Zelensky was “all dressed up today” when he entered the Oval in a black sweatshirt with Ukraine’s trident logo.

Vice President JD Vance ripped into Zelensky for failing to thank Americans for their support. Reporter Brian Glenn pressed him, “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.”

Zelensky bluntly said once the war was over, he’d consider it. “Maybe something like yours, maybe something better, maybe something cheaper," he snarked at Glenn.

Trump tried smoothing things over. “I do like your clothing, by the way. I don’t know if you two like each other, but I think he is dressed beautifully," the president said.

Regardless, the meeting collapsed in chaos. Zelensky was asked to leave the White House, and the follow-up lunch and press conference were scrapped.

Biden vs Trump style summits

Things were a lot more relaxed with Zelensky’s old pal Joe Biden. During Biden’s presidency, Zelensky often wore olive gear, khakis, even combat boots, and nobody blinked. At NATO in 2023, he went with a short-sleeved polo.

Zelensky himself once told the Financial Times in 2022 that he wouldn’t wear a suit and tie or even shave until the war was finished.

But some Americans haven’t been impressed with the casual look when it comes to meetings with their president. With the US funneling over $180 billion into Ukraine since 2022, critics argue Zelensky should show more deference, the Daily Mail reported.

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