Kathrine Frich
The meeting played out like a mix of a diplomatic drama and a reality show, full of compliments, confusion, and at least one surprise phone call to Vladimir Putin.
The meeting played out like a mix of a diplomatic drama and a reality show, full of compliments, confusion, and at least one surprise phone call to Vladimir Putin.
A Star-Studded Political Reunion With a Twist
When European leaders landed in Washington for a high-level summit with Donald Trump, expectations were high, and so was the potential for awkward moments.
With Volodymyr Zelensky at the center and everyone from Macron to von der Leyen around the table, this meeting was meant to project unity.
1. Black Is the New Black
Last time Volodymyr Zelensky visited the Oval Office, he was mocked for not wearing a suit.
This time, he arrived in a sleek black outfit, and received praise from both Trump and conservative media.
“I love it,” Trump said.
Even Brian Glenn, the reporter who scolded him in February, called it “fabulous.”
Zelensky didn’t miss the chance to respond. “But you are still wearing the same.”
2. Many Thanks
During Zelensky’s last visit to the Oval Office, he was publicly criticized by Vice President JD Vance for failing to thank the United States for its support.
This time, he didn’t make the same mistake. “Thank you” were the very first words out of his mouth at the roundtable.
The rest of the European leaders quickly followed his lead, each opening their remarks with some form of appreciation for President Trump.
The wave of gratitude became almost comical, barely a sentence was spoken without someone saying “thank you.”
3. Compliments… or Confusion?
Trump showered his guests with compliments, but not all of them made sense.
Macron was “something unusual.” Keir Starmer was “liked by everyone” a surprising claim for UK audiences.
Giorgia Meloni was called “an inspiration” with “long service,” though she’s only been in office since 2022.
And Friedrich Merz? Trump admired his tan and called him “a very powerful person.”
4. Height Matters in the Family Photo
The summit’s traditional group photo turned awkward, mainly due to height differences.
Merz, at nearly 2 meters tall, towered over Meloni, who’s barely 1.63.
Trump usually stands tallest in the room, but this time, Rutte and Stubb gave him a run for his money.
Macron also appeared surprisingly close in height, possibly due to clever footwear.
5. Trump Says the Quiet Part Out Loud
During the roundtable, Trump veered off-topic to attack mail-in voting and Democrats.
Though he scolded the reporter for asking an unrelated question, he kept going.
Trump claimed mail-in voting ruins democracy and said Democrats “love crime” and “want transgenders for everyone.”
The statements were unclear, even by Trump standards, and left the room puzzled.
6. “Let Me Call Vladimir…”
Trump had said he would call Putin after his talks with European leaders. Instead, he cut the evening short to ring the Russian president mid-meeting.
European leaders were left to roam the White House, reportedly searching for snacks while Trump handled diplomacy by phone.
7. When Praise Feels Like Parody
Even the compliments Trump gave to Ursula von der Leyen came with a twist. “You’re stronger than all these men,” he said then immediately backpedaled: “I don’t know…”
The moment perfectly captured the chaotic charm and discomfort of the visit, where every comment seemed to teeter between flattery, confusion, and political theatre.
