The choice of clothing by U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, one of Donald Trump’s key allies, has sparked a wave of online debate after his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on October 17.
Hegseth wore a white, blue, and red striped tie a color combination that some social media users quickly pointed out matches the Russian flag. Critics claimed the tie’s design and color sequence were identical to the Russian tricolor, an awkward detail during a diplomatic meeting with Ukraine’s leader amid the ongoing conflict.
Even Russia’s state-run news agency, TASS, appeared to highlight the moment, writing that Hegseth “stood out” among U.S. officials by wearing “a tie in the colors of the Russian flag.” The outlet emphasized that while the U.S. flag also contains red, white, and blue, Hegseth’s tie mirrored Russia’s flag pattern red-blue-white rather than America’s.
Adding to the attention, Kirill Dmitriev, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s economic envoy and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, shared a photo of Hegseth’s tie on social media with a Russian flag emoji, fueling further speculation.
However, not everyone saw it as a political statement. Vice President JD Vance defended Hegseth on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Or maybe he was wearing the colors of America.” Dmitriev replied, “Maybe it is good that we have the same colors,” adding U.S. and Russian flag emojis along with a handshake symbol.
Political commentator Ron Filipkowski, editor of Meidas Touch, posted: “Looks like the Russians like his Russia tie. It’s not red-white-blue either. It’s red-blue-white like the Russian flag. For a meeting with Zelensky.”
Hegseth, who often includes American symbols in his outfits from flag-patterned socks to suit linings has not publicly commented on the controversy. He was also seen wearing an American flag pocket square, which some supporters say proves his loyalty was being misinterpreted.
Following the meeting, Donald Trump described his talks with President Zelensky on Truth Social as “very interesting and cordial,” adding, “I told him, as I likewise strongly suggested to President Putin, that it is time to stop the killing and make a DEAL.”
Reports suggest Zelensky sought to persuade Trump to approve the supply of Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine by proposing a reciprocal exchange involving Ukrainian drone technology. The meeting came shortly after Trump’s “productive” phone call with Vladimir Putin.
Comments
Post a Comment