Conservative journalist Brian Glenn found himself at the center of an unexpectedly light-hearted moment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after the two shared a playful exchange during Zelensky’s most recent visit with Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.
Glenn, who is dating Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene and works as a correspondent for Real America’s Voice, had previously made headlines earlier this year for pressing Zelenskyy about his wardrobe during a tense Oval Office meeting with Trump in February. At that time, Glenn had criticized the Ukrainian leader for appearing in his trademark black military-style sweatshirt rather than formal attire.
This week, however, the encounter struck a very different tone. Zelenskyy arrived wearing a sharp all-black suit, a noticeable departure from his usual utilitarian look. Glenn was quick to comment on the change. “President Zelenskyy, you look fabulous in that suit,” Glenn remarked, prompting Trump to chime in with a reminder of Glenn’s earlier comments. “I said the same thing,” Trump added, via The Independent. “This is the one that attacked you last time, you remember that?”
“I remember,” Zelenskyy replied with a smile. Glenn then offered an apology, acknowledging, “You look wonderful.”
In a moment of witty retaliation, Zelenskyy pointed out that Glenn appeared to be wearing the same outfit he had on during their last meeting. “But you are in the same suit,” Zelenskyy quipped. “You see, I changed; you did not.” His remark drew laughter from members of the press corps. Glenn gamely replied: “Maybe yours is much better than mine.”
The lighthearted exchange was a stark contrast to the sharp tensions that marked their February encounter. Back then, Glenn’s questioning of Zelenskyy’s clothing had sparked friction, with Zelenskyy suggesting that only when the war in Ukraine was over would he consider dressing in suits similar to those worn in the White House. Trump had attempted to smooth over the moment, complimenting Zelenskyy’s attire, but the meeting ultimately unraveled. That earlier Oval Office session ended with Zelenskyy being asked to leave, and the planned follow-up lunch and press conference were abruptly canceled.
This time, however, the tone appeared far more cordial. The suit itself became a symbolic gesture, signaling not just Zelenskyy’s awareness of past criticisms, but also his willingness to adapt for the sake of diplomacy. Greene herself praised her partner for raising the original question months earlier, crediting Glenn with nudging Zelenskyy toward more formal attire.
Beyond wardrobe banter, the meeting carried significant diplomatic weight. Trump revealed that he had spoken directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin and that preparations were underway for a potential summit between Putin and Zelenskyy. Trump said he intended to host the two leaders together in an effort to broker peace in Ukraine, which has been embroiled in war for nearly four years.
Zelenskyy confirmed his openness to such talks, emphasizing that he was prepared to meet without preconditions to avoid complications that could stall progress. While no date has yet been set, European leaders indicated that preliminary discussions suggested a meeting could take place within weeks.