Trump caught on hot mic awkwardly telling Zelensky he’s ‘all dressed up’ for White House meeting

President Donald Trump spoke approvingly about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s wardrobe on Friday after greeting him at the White House. 

‘Oh, you’re all dressed up,’ Trump commented as the Ukrainian president stepped out of his SUV and approached the West Wing entrance of the White House. 

‘Yes. I had to,’ Zelensky replied shaking Trump’s hand at the entrance of the White House.

‘He’s all dressed up today,’ Trump added approvingly, pointing to Zelensky as they stood for pictures at the arrival ceremony.

Trump’s comments were not captured on media cameras but were heard in a video posted on social media by the president’s aide Margo Martin.

The two leaders stood next to each other as Trump placed his arm on Zelensky’s back and later pumped his fist. 

Since the war in Ukraine began, Zelensky has opted to arrive at meetings with world leaders wearing military fatigues to demonstrate to the world that he was at war with Russia to defend his country. 

Zelensky was still not wearing a suit, but wearing a more formal black uniform with black pants and black boots. 

It was a markedly different look for Zelensky as he meets with Trump to discuss the future of his country and negotiations with Russia to end the war in Ukraine. 

During meetings with former President Joe Biden, Zelensky frequently wore olive or khaki military clothes, which prompted some critical comments from Americans, who thought the United States deserved more respect. 

Zelensky explained to the Financial Times in 2022 that he would not don a suit and tie or shave his beard until the war is over.