‘You Look Fabulous’: Reporter’s Compliment Sparks Zelenskyy Joke At White House, Trump Joins In

Last Updated:August 19, 2025, 09:58 IST

When he returned to Washington in August 2025, Ukraine President Zelenskyy surprised observers by appearing in a tailored black suit, unlike his last meeting with Trump.

Trump also expressed readiness to support broader European security guarantees for Ukraine (X/White House)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is used to answering tough questions on war, aid, and diplomacy. But one particular reporter in the United States keeps circling back to a lighter subject: his wardrobe.

Back in February 2025, during a visit to the Oval Office, Brian Glenn, known to be a conservative journalist, asked Zelenskyy why he never dressed in a formal suit. “Do you even own one," Glenn asked, pointing to the president’s familiar olive-green polo and cargo pants.

Zelenskyy, unfazed, fired back with a grin, “I’ll wear a costume after this war ends. May be something like yours. Or may be something cheaper." His use of the word “costume" instead of “suit" gave the reply an extra comic punch in English, though it was a straightforward translation from Ukrainian.

For Zelenskyy, the casual, military-inspired look has long been a statement. Since the war with Russia began in 2022, he has deliberately avoided business attire, signaling solidarity with soldiers and reinforcing that Ukraine remains on a war footing. The decision is as much political symbolism as personal style.

When he returned to Washington in August 2025, however, Zelenskyy surprised observers by appearing in a tailored black suit, a nod to White House protocol. This time, the very same reporter who once mocked his attire gushed, “President Zelenskyy, you look fabulous in that suit."

US President Donald Trump added, “I said the same thing," and pointing to the journalist, he also quipped, “that’s the one that attacked you last time." Zelenskyy seized the moment for a gentle jab: “I remember. You’re still in the same suit. I changed, you didn’t."

The room erupted in laughter, including Trump, underscoring how what began as a pointed question, has turned into a running gag.

The Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday, in what has been described as their most cordial encounter yet. Joined by a delegation of European leaders — including those from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Finland, the European Commission, and NATO — the discussions centered on forging a path toward peace through robust security guarantees for Ukraine.

Trump announced that he had initiated arrangements for a direct meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin, a potential prelude to a trilateral summit including himself.

While Europeans pressed for a ceasefire as a precondition, Trump signaled support for Ukraine with an emphasis on “very good protection," stopping short of committing US troops or formal NATO membership

Zelenskyy praised the positive tone of the talks and thanked Trump for sending a “strong signal" of Western unity a

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News world ‘You Look Fabulous’: Reporter’s Compliment Sparks Zelenskyy Joke At White House, Trump Joins In

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