White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt briefly addressed the controversy surrounding the Oval Office dress code after criticism emerged over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s casual attire during his recent visit. Zelensky’s explosive visit to the White House last week ignited debates over etiquette, particularly his decision to forgo a suit.
Some critics deemed his outfit unprofessional, while Zelensky defended his choice, stating that he would not wear a suit or “costume” until Ukraine’s war with Russia had ended. On the other side of the discussion, many pointed out the contradiction in Trump and Vice President JD Vance’s mockery of Zelensky’s clothing, considering Trump’s close ally, Elon Musk, frequently forgoes formal attire himself.
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During a press briefing today, a reporter asked Leavitt about the criticism of Zelensky’s wardrobe and noted, “Elon Musk never wears a suit in there. What is the dress code?” Leavitt smiled before interjecting, “He did last night.” As the reporter continued, she reiterated, “He wore a suit last night…I think the president liked it very much.”
Indeed, Musk made an unexpected sartorial shift last night, donning a black suit, white shirt, and bright blue tie. His attire drew attention as Trump publicly singled him out for praise. “Thank you, Elon. You’re working very hard,” Trump told Musk. “He didn’t need this. He didn’t need this. We appreciate it.”
The president then gestured toward the Democratic side of the chamber, adding, “Everybody here, even this side, appreciates it, I believe. They just don’t want to admit that.” Musk is known for his ultra-casual wardrobe, often appearing in jeans and T-shirts, even in high-profile political settings. During Trump’s first cabinet meeting, he wore a “tech support” T-shirt paired with a Make America Great Again cap.
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Meanwhile, the last time Zelensky was seen in a suit was in a video address on February 24, 2022, shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. During today’s briefing, Leavitt also addressed the behavior of Democrats at last night’s meeting, stating, “Democrats behaving like children would be the least surprising thing of the night.”
She continued, “It’s sad—and frankly pathetic.” As the debate over attire and etiquette continues, the political divide over these symbolic choices remains as stark as ever.
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