As the Russian invasion in Ukraine rages, an American financial pundit has some unwarranted advice for President Volodymyr Zelensky who appealed to the US Congress for aid in a virtual address. Peter Schiff was not pleased with Zelensky’s choice of attire for the meeting and he didn’t shy away from expressing his controversial opinion.
“I understand times are hard, but doesn't the President of the Ukraine own a suit? 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. I wouldn't want to disrespect the institution or the Unites States,” Schiff tweeted.
The tweet was fiercely criticized with users schooling the former congressional candidate of Connecticut on how appearances don’t matter when there is a war going on. Many pointed out that the Zelensky has several pressing issues to tend to rather than his wardrobe.
Zelensky has been sporting a green t-shirt that has become a trademark for almost all his public and virtual appearances since Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24. He addressed the US Congress from his office in violence-hit Kyiv on Wednesday morning.
Schiff, who is the president of investment firm Euro Pacific Capital, was blasted unanimously on social media for his remarks.
“Is this a joke? Kyiv is under brutal assault with mass civilians being killed and Zelenskyy should worry about a suit?” one user tweeted.
“Seriously! The man’s in the midst of an invasion and someone wants to critique his wardrobe? As for disrespect… it’s “United States,” said another who pointed out the typing error in Schiff’s tweet where he misspelled the name of his country.
Political analyst Cheri Jacobus kept it brief with "delete this tweet."
Schiff seemed to shrug off all criticism and defended himself by saying even a long-sleeved shirt with a collar would have sufficed.
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.— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) March 16, 2022
“It's not about impressing anyone. It's just common respect. He is representing his nation, and addressing the U.S. Congress. It's not like his in the battle field personally, and can't bother to put on a suit. He can just reach into the same closet he keeps his t-shirts.”
See some more tweets with Schiff’s rebuttals to his critics.
With all the replies I never even noticed that typo. He was not in combat on a battle field. Someone powdered his face. Not a hair was out of place, and he was clean shaven with a trimmed beard. He chose to wear that t-shirt. He could have easily chosen something less informal.— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) March 16, 2022
Zelensky and #Ukraine are under an ongoing, brutal attack & you’re worried about the shirt he’s wearing?!The man is fighting to stay alive + keep his country & people free from tyranny, death & aggression.
You’ve earned the ratio & neg comments you’re getting.
Shame on you!
— Lynnette KhalfaniCox (@themoneycoach) March 16, 2022
Then you don't spend much time on Twitter.— Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) March 16, 2022
When the US offered to evacuate him, Zelensky famously said, “The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride”.
The war, that entered the 22nd day today, has displaced millions of Ukrainians and killed hundreds of civilians.
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