The White House has responded after people pointed out a double standard regarding Elon Musk and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Last week, Zelenskyy visited the White House to meet President Trump. The goal was to talk about a possible peace deal to end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But the conversation quickly became heated.
During the discussion, Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War 3.” Vice President JD Vance also criticized Zelenskyy, saying he was not showing enough appreciation. “You should be thanking the president for trying to end this conflict,” Vance said.
Zelenskyy’s clothing became another topic of debate. Since the war began in 2022, he has consistently worn military-style outfits. Some people in the U.S. saw this as a sign of disrespect.
During a press conference, right-wing reporter Brian Glenn questioned Zelenskyy’s choice of clothes. “Why don’t you wear a suit? Do you even own one?” he asked. Glenn suggested that many Americans saw it as a lack of respect for the Oval Office.
Zelenskyy responded, saying he would wear a suit once the war is over. He joked that it might be “something like yours, something better, or maybe something cheaper.”
This led to comparisons with Elon Musk, who now leads Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Musk has often attended cabinet meetings in casual clothing, including t-shirts and baseball caps.
During a recent White House press briefing, Fox News reporter Peter Doocy pointed out this inconsistency. “Officials were upset that Zelenskyy didn’t wear a suit. But Musk never wears one either.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt quickly responded, saying Musk “did last night”—the same night Trump addressed Congress.
When asked if Musk wore a suit because of the Zelenskyy debate, Leavitt denied it. “No, I don’t think so,” she said. “I’m just pointing out that he did, and the president liked it.”
The debate over attire in the Oval Office continues, with different standards applied to different figures.