CT Investor Criticizes Zelensky's Clothing Worn During Address

WASHINGTON, DC — Peter Schiff, a former GOP Senate candidate from Connecticut, had some thoughts Wednesday following Volodymyr Zelensky's virtual address to Congress during which the Ukrainian president beseeched members for more aid amid Russia's ongoing attack.

Schiff —a pundit, radio host and global strategist for Euro Pacific Capital — didn't focus on the content of Zelensky's speech. Instead, he zeroed in on the president's army-green T-shirt.

"I understand times are hard, but doesn't the President of Ukraine own a suit?" Schiff tweeted.

"I don't have much respect for current members of the U.S. Congress either, but I still wouldn't address them wearing a t-shirt," Schiff continued. "I wouldn't want to disrespect the institution or the United States."

Zelensky spoke from Kyiv, which is under attack by the Russian military. He frequently wears the army-green shirt as well as hoodies while speaking to other foreign governments.

The blowback against Schiff was swift and intense.

"It's only March, but I think we have a winner for dumbest tweet of the year," one Twitter user replied.

"The military t-shirt conveys a message. It's not the most important part of what's going on here. Mr. Schiff doesn't just fail to read the room, he telegraphs it," another tweeted.

Schiff later doubled down, insisting that Zelensky could have chosen to wear "a long-sleeved shirt with a collar."

"He would not have had to press a suit. I'm sure he had a clean suit hanging in the same closet as his t-shirts. Plus even if there were not suits available, maybe a long-sleeved shirt with a collar," Schiff tweeted.

Despite Schiff's criticism, Gina Scott Ligon, an expert on innovation and leadership, told National Public Radio that Zelensky’s approach to leadership should be copied.

"A lot of people are feeling this hunger for authenticity and for not having these leaders in these suits, that have $400 haircuts, but to have someone that’s not clean-shaven and looks like them, but honestly portrays the very best features of them," Ligon told NPR.