'Waiting for Vance to smash through the door': Trump officials give Bukele a pass on Oval Office garb
U.S. President Donald Trump meets with El Salvador President Nayib Bukele in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 14, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
On Monday, April 14, visiting Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele met with U.S. President Donald Trump and members of his administration in the White House Oval Office — including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Trump adviser Stephen Miller.
Bukele was warmly received by Trump and his allies, and it was quite a contrast to the reception that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky received during his visit to the White House earlier this year. President Trump and Vice President JD Vance angrily berated Zelensky, and some Trump allies attacked Zelensky for wearing casual attire during the meeting.
Bukele, however, was wearing business casual attire — minus a tie — on April 14.
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Bukele's visit to the White House is receiving plenty of reactions on X, formerly Twitter. And some X users are noting the contrast between the treatment of Bukele in the White and the treatment of Zelensky in the White House.
The Bulwark's Andrew Egger commented, "waiting for JD Vance to smash through the door, eyes rolling, foaming at the mouth, to yell at Bukele for not wearing a tie."
Democratic activist The Maine Wonk tweeted, "Jeez Bukele, at least wear a suit while advocating for the political imprisonment of Americans in the Oval Office."
X user Art Candee said of MAGA Republicans, "They gonna say anything about what Bukele is wearing or do they only reserve that for Zelenskyy?"
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Sean Hickey of Politics Joe in the UK wrote, "Does he think it’s appropriate to come to the WH dressed like that?"
Wall Street investment banker Evaristus Odinikaeze wrote, "All of a sudden, El Salvador is the model for the United States. Go figure! When Bukele tells Trump he must 'imprison some' to “liberate 350 million,' he’s not giving advice, he's projecting authoritarian doctrine. This isn't leadership coaching, take it from me! This is strongman fan fiction. And if Trump's taking notes, our democracy is further in danger."
X user Timothy Bellman said of Bukele's White House visit, "This guy took away his citizens right to due process. He is a dictator and his views are anti-American. F--- him."
In a separate tweet, Bellman posted, "Also, the way Trump talks about immigration just doesn’t align with the values of our country. It's like he thinks all immigrants are criminals. The reality is most immigrants are just trying to make a better life, even become Americans."
Another X user, Art Vandelay, tweeted, "Nayib Bukele is a corrupt dictator who enriched himself while the people of El Salvador live in poverty. Yes, he has made the country safer by arresting/imprisoning gang members. But he is no hero, and the Republicans praising him today at the White House should be ashamed."
