Donald Trump Jr. once again took aim at Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy by suggesting the United States should stop backing the Ukrainian war effort because Zelenskyy once appeared in a sketch as part of a boy band who wore heels and revealing clothing.
Before entering politics, Zelenskyy was a well-known comic actor who appeared on several sketch shows on Ukrainian television. One such program showcased him and fellow actors performing as Kazaky, a once-popular boy band whose members became known for performing in high heels.
Trump Jr. proceeded to attack Zelenskyy by linking him to Dr. Anthony Fauci—leader of the U.S. COVID-19 response—and climate activist Greta Thunberg when he wrote:
"Just so we understand this is the leader of the left’s new religion, Ukraine. He replaced Lord Fauci who replaced goddess Greta as the leader of the leftist lunacy movement."
"Give him all of your money forever it doesn’t matter how much or for what… the Gods have spoken!”
You can see Trump Jr.'s tweet below.
\u201cJust so we understand this is the leader of the left\u2019s new religion, Ukraine. He replaced Lord Fauci who replaced goddess Greta as the leader of the leftist lunacy movement. Give him all of your money forever it doesn\u2019t matter how much or for what\u2026 the Gods have spoken!\u201d— Donald Trump Jr. (@Donald Trump Jr.) 1677425105
While Trump Jr.'s post appeared to capitalize at least in part on the recent right-wing frenzy against drag performers who Republicans have baselessly accused of grooming children, many were quick to remind him of his father's own history with drag and sketch comedy.
In 2004, former Republican President Donald Trump—then at the height of his reality show fame—appeared on Saturday Night Live to promote "Donald Trump's House of Wings," a fictional establishment defined by his bright yellow suit and surrounded by people in chicken costumes.
\u201cI saw a video making the rounds on right-wing social media today of Zelensky that mocks him because he used to be a performer, with old clips of him. Well, he can\u2019t top the \u2018Donald Trump\u2019s House of Wings\u2019 clip.\u201d— Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6 (@Ron Filipkowski \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\udde6) 1677441311
Just a few years prior, Trump appeared in a skit with then-New York City Mayor and future Trump attorney Rudy Giuliani for 2000’s Inner Circle Show, an event put on by the media to lampoon New York's political figures.
Footage of the event shows Trump pretending to flirt with Giuliani while wearing a wig and a dress.
\u201c@DonaldJTrumpJr Here is footage of your father and Rudy Giuliani dressed in Drag and kissing in 2000. \ud83e\udd37\u200d\u2642\ufe0f\u201d— Donald Trump Jr. (@Donald Trump Jr.) 1677425105
Trump Jr. was swiftly criticized.
\u201c@DonaldJTrumpJr What are you mad about today, MAGA? Is it woke? CRT? \u201cThe blacks\u201d? How bout the libs and the gays and the elites? Are they making you angry again today? All the fake news? And Ukraine\u2014Is Ukraine being attacked by Putin making you angry at Biden again? What\u2019s really wrong? Tell me\u201d— Donald Trump Jr. (@Donald Trump Jr.) 1677425105
\u201c@DonaldJTrumpJr Unlike you, Zelenskyy had self-confidence long before he was elected president, so he could dress and dance like that. You are just a spoiled child of rich parents.\u201d— Donald Trump Jr. (@Donald Trump Jr.) 1677425105
\u201c@DonaldJTrumpJr Your father & his lawyer tho?\u201d— Donald Trump Jr. (@Donald Trump Jr.) 1677425105
\u201c@DonaldJTrumpJr hmm\n\nhttps://t.co/MBKRMiwy3v\u201d— Donald Trump Jr. (@Donald Trump Jr.) 1677425105
\u201c@DonaldJTrumpJr I didn't know fighting for one's freedom and democratic values were "left/right" issues? I thought all Americans valued them. Guess I was wrong.\u201d— Donald Trump Jr. (@Donald Trump Jr.) 1677425105
\u201c@DonaldJTrumpJr It\u2019s called comedy. It\u2019s from a comedy skit you humourless twit.\u201d— Donald Trump Jr. (@Donald Trump Jr.) 1677425105
Trump Jr. has a history of attacking Zelenskyy and undermining the Ukraine war effort.
In December 2022, he referred to Zelenskyy as an "international welfare queen" ahead of Zelenskyy's address to Congress, which marked his first foreign visit since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
He has also repeatedly shared conspiracy theories about the war in Ukraine, even going so far as to disseminate disinformation linked to Russia's Internet Research Agency—also known as the Glavset—which is engaged in online propaganda and influence operations on behalf of Russian business and political interests.
