White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dodged questions about Elon Musk’s outfit choices when in the presence of President Donald Trump amid allegations of a double standard following criticism over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s attire during last week’s Oval Office showdown.
Leavitt was quizzed on the issue by Fox News’ senior correspondent Peter Doocy during her press briefing Wednesday.
“You know that some officials here were miffed that Zelensky showed up last week without a suit for his meeting in the Oval Office. But Elon Musk never wears a suit,” Doocy stated.
While there isn’t an official White House dress code – a level of formality is typical among world leaders and dignitaries.
However, President Zelensky has refused to wear a suit – instead opting for a sombre military ensemble – in solidarity with his countrymen currently battling Russian forces.
Zelenksy has been pictured with various world leaders wearing almost fatigue-like tactical clothing since the invasion began in February 2022.
Leavitt quickly interjected with a wide-brimmed smile, stating: “He did last night,” in reference to Musk’s appearance during Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday night.
“So what is the dress code?”, Doocy pressed.
Leavitt was visibly caught out by the question as she appeared to be stifling her laughter on the matter.
“Well, Elon Musk wore a suit last night. I’m sure you saw it”, she repeated.
Doocy pushed Leavitt further on the suit question, asking if Musk had been “spooked” after Zelensky was dramatically escorted from the White House following the explosive meeting with Trump, and Vice President J.D. Vance.
“No, I don’t think so. I’m just pointing out that he did wear a suit last night and I think the president liked that very much and he looked great,” Leavitt continued before swiftly moving on to discuss Trump’s approval ratings.
During his appearance at Trump’s first cabinet meeting, Musk sported a casual look that consisted of jeans, a T-shirt that read “Tech Support,” and a Make America Great Again (MAGA) baseball cap.
Last Friday, Trump, Vance, and the Ukrainian leader’s discussion, which sought to lay out the terms for a ceasefire with Russia and a minerals deal, escalated into a full-blown shouting match in front of the world’s press.
