Cowardice, arrogance, opportunism, fragility. Mind-boggling stupidity.
All these factors were displayed during Friday’s infamous White House press conference led by US President Donald Trump that showcased the extremes of global leadership.
These factors came in sharp contradiction to what we know of the past three years of leadership by Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Before we think about the kind of negotiations that could occur with more women in power globally, let’s consider the vastly different levels of leadership we’re witnessing from the (overwhelming) men.
Zelenskyy was shaken but stoic at points during the ambush. He arrived with good intentions of negotiating and determination to stand up for the people he leads.
But it was left to the journalist Brian Glenn from a right-wing cable channel known to spread conspiracy theories to best articulate a visual metaphor for what was going on during the meeting, in his one question to the Ukrainian president.
“Why don’t you wear a suit? he asked. “You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit. Just want to see if — do you own a suit?”
VP JD Vance laughed at the question. Because that’s the kind of man he has.
Zelenskyy first responded with a clarifier, “Problems?” He asked. “Yes,” Glenn said. “A lot of Americans have problems with you not respecting this office.”
“I will wear a costume after this war will finish,” Zelenskyy responded. “Maybe something like yours, maybe something better, I don’t know. We will see. Maybe something cheaper.”
Zelenskyy does own suits. He once wore them regularly. But once Russia launched its full-scale invasion of his country on February 24 2022, Zelenskyy has been wearing a field uniform in solidarity with Ukraine’s armed forces.
Earlier this week, Elon Musk addressed a cabinet meeting in a T-shirt with the words “tech support” under his overcoat. He also wore a t-shirt with the words “Occupy Mars” in the Oval Office next to Trump. Because that’s the type of man he is.
Brian Glenn has been selected for a White House press pool position, giving him access to ask global leaders such questions despite other media outlets like Reuters and the Associated Press being refused entry. He is in a relationship with Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene, who later declared her pride for Glenn on pointing out how much “disrespect” Zelenskyy has for America. He used his big White House opportunity to attempt to humiliate the Ukrainian president. Because that’s the type of man he is.
As for the other men present.
There is VP JD Vance, who laughed in the face of a man leading a country in his third year of war and claims “free speech!” whenever someone, especially now in another country, might disagree with him. Vance resorted to the most childish of arguments, “You’ve never said thank you!” Because that’s the type of man he is. (A quick fact check reveals Zelenskyy has said thank you to the American people numerous times).
There is US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, shifting uncomfortably during the meeting, especially as Vance continued to attack Zelenskyy. Rubio has previously been outspoken on stopping the advance of Russia, once declaring the world would become a “scary place if we allow thugs like Putin to invade sovereign nations without severe consequences.” But Rubio was silent during the Friday confrontation, having done a complete turnaround to take a position of power in the Trump administration and to keep backing Trump regardless of how far his international agenda stretches beyond his fundamental beliefs. Because that’s the type of man he is.
And there is Donald Trump, who immediately installed an army of yes men and sycophants into his administration and has been aggressively dismantling media access to publications that may question him. His ego is so gargantuan that everything is entertainment, yet so fragile that he’ll rewrite the basic facts of recent history to protect his image. Because that’s the type of man he is.
Zelenskyy, meanwhile, immediately got on a flight in search of support for his people elsewhere after being asked to leave the White House. He got on social media and immediately responded to messages to express his gratitude. Because that’s the type of man he is.
In London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer warmly greeted Zelenskyy, embracing him in a bear hug multiple times in front of the cameras. Because that’s the type of man he is.
We need more women on the global stage. We must continue pushing for it constantly and highlight the voices missing in these global-consequential conversations. But in these strange and dangerous times, let’s also acknowledge the men who act with humility, decency, integrity and in the interests of the majority of those they lead. This is what real leaders do.