‘You look fabulous in that suit’: The funny moment Zelensky won over Trump

Washington: Getting Donald Trump to laugh is no mean feat. A smile, sure. But genuine laughter? Rare. Of all people, Volodymyr Zelensky made it happen.

The Ukrainian president returned to the scene of the crime – that disastrous February meeting – and although his relationship with his US counterpart has improved markedly since then, there was no guarantee he would escape another dressing down.

This time he came prepared. He began by flattering Trump – thanking him for his efforts to end the war, and thanking his wife, Melania, for the letter she wrote to Putin about the plight of children impacted by conflict. Zelensky also handed over a letter from his own wife addressed to the first lady.

He also dressed for the occasion. Last time he was mocked by Trump from the moment they shook hands, with the US president sarcastically remarking “he’s all dressed up today” when Zelensky emerged from his car in a military-style black sweatshirt.

It’s easily forgotten that in that February encounter, Zelensky faced not only a combative US delegation but an occasionally hostile American press pack, including Brian Glenn of Real America’s Voice, a right-wing channel. Glenn had also grilled Zelensky about his lack of suit and tie.

This time Glenn was conciliatory. “President Zelensky, you look fabulous in that suit,” he said. Trump agreed and pointed out Glenn was the reporter who had chastised Zelensky last time.

“I remember,” the Ukrainian leader said. Then, just when you thought he might still harbour a grudge, he turned his attention to Glenn and joked: “You are in the same suit. I changed, you are not.”

Everyone found it funny, including Trump. After all, English may not be his first language but Zelensky was a comedian before going into politics.

Moments later the US president attempted a joke of his own, after Glenn asked about Zelensky’s intention to hold elections.

“You say during the war you can’t have elections,” Trump said.

“So let me just say: 3½ years from now, you mean if we happen to be in a war with somebody, no more elections? Oh, that’s good. I wonder what the fake news would say.”

The idea of Trump declaring war to avoid an election did not land quite as well, although Zelensky went along with it and laughed.

What he didn’t do was take the bait. During the February meltdown Zelensky opted for a combative approach, too.

When provoked he chose to confront Trump and Vance, rather than suggest they move on or discuss it when the cameras were gone.

This time he bit his tongue – even during the intensely awkward parts where Trump went on a long rant about “corrupt” mail-in ballots in American elections and crime in Washington, DC.

Later, during a meeting with other European leaders and Trump, Zelensky also joked about a map of Ukraine on display in the Oval Office.

No doubt, there remains a certain tension between the two men. But their second take was punctured by levity, and it worked in Zelensky’s favour.

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