Inside the Oval: How Trump sent Zelensky home with no deal and no meal

Axios ^ | 2/28/2025 | Barak Ravid

[CatHerd]

I always used an interpreter, even when I could speak and understand the other’s language quite well. It allowed me to observe my interlocutor as he was speaking and plot my next move, as well as to closely observe his facial expressions and body language as my words were conveyed to him through the interpreter.

Zelensky’s command of English is much better than he has let on. His ability to use more complex forms of recursion is a dead giveaway. (Yeah, I did postgraduate work in linguistics, so I’m nerdy that way.)

[Georgia Girl 2]

No its not ridiculous. The first thing Trump said when Z got out of the car was “oh I see you dressed up”.

[CatHerd]

Try watching the entire press conference.

Also, the libs would love to make this into a petty tiff where Trump was spiteful over something as trivial as clothing, rather than real differences over real substance. Let’s not play into their hands.

[OrioleFan]

I guess Zelensky hadn’t returned his answers to the name 5 things question...

[OrioleFan]

Remember the movie Bananas. The part where Fielding Melish becomes the dictator and visits the US.

When he gets off the plane a Senator meets him with an interpreter, and all three are speaking English. I laugh every time I think of that scene.

[Georgia Girl 2]

The clothing issue is very minor but try to imagine how much Trump who lives in a suit and tie loves greeting this fool dressed up like dwarf ninja. Frankly its insulting.

[CatHerd]

Yes, but inconsequential compared to the real issues — and lives at stake. Trump was focussed on the real issues and lives at stake, not Zelensky’s silly duds.

[mabarker1]

Is he in a Zero-line-in-the-sky ?

[mabarker1]

2nd Thread and I still haven’t seen the Menu.

[Salamander]

Brought a hamster to a Velociraptor fight.

[Chode]

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