Zelensky, who gave an emotional appeal to the U.S. live from Ukraine, called on policymakers in Washington to take further action against Russia, asking President Joe Biden to further sanctions and implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine. These calls came as Russia continues to attack nearly three weeks after the initial invasion.
While Zelensky’s speech was given a standing ovation by members of Congress, it invoked criticism from Schiff, who is also the CEO of Euro Pacific Capital Inc., a broker-dealer based in Connecticut.
On Wednesday morning, Schiff tweeted, “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 [sic] States.”
People on the internet were quick to challenge Schiff, questioning how the economist could be “so out of touch with reality.”
Jimmy Stafford, former guitarist for the band Train, tweeted, “Seriously? He’s at war fighting for his country. His city is currently being surrounded and bombed by Russians. Sorry his appearance didn’t please you.”
Arts and Culture writer John Law tweeted a response as well, saying, “It’s only March, but you, sir, have just posted the dumbest thing I’ll see on Twitter all year.”
Schiff responded to Law, writing, “Then you don’t spend much time on Twitter.”
Others called for Schiff to remove the tweet, but the CEO has stood strong in his opinion. While one user wrote that it was most likely very difficult to get a pressed suit in a war zone, Schiff responded, “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.”
Others invoked photos of the destruction in some of Ukraine’s cities, citing them as the reason why Zelensky was only in a t-shirt, and one posted a photo of President Zelensky wearing an army uniform and vest, tweeting, “He’s wearing the right suit for the job.”
Congress has rallied around Zelensky’s calls, and Republicans pushed for Biden to “step up,” as many are advocating for the U.S. to send planes to Ukraine so that the president can set up his own no-fly zone.
Newsweek reached out to Euro Pacific Capital Inc. for comment but did not hear back in time for publication.
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