This was a total setup. It was like Soprano's fan fiction script or something.
First there was a Russian state media reporter in the "hand picked" pool of reporters that was not on the approved list but "somehow" got into the OVAL FREAKING OFFICE unnoticed. Sure. We believe you.
Next, we have some no-name guy from Real America's Voice asking Zelensky, "Why don't you wear a suit? Do you even own a suit?" And follows with something about, "A lot of American's have a problem with you not respecting the office." And suggests that Zelensky could get a suit like his. WTF is that about? That is not a serious person or a serious question.
Trump starts with "I can be tougher than an other human being ... but you're never going to get a deal that way."
Quick side note that JD Vance said, "Putin invaded Ukraine and destroyed a significant chunk ..." That has been a hotly debated topic this week, so good to have that on the record.
Then just as Trump asks for one more question, JD Vance kicks off the main act by interjecting, and that eventually leads Trump to get all red-faced and they both start demanding that Z should be more respectful and thank them over and over.
When you ask for thanks and then demand respect, you no longer have the upper hand. When you get red-faced and angry and start pointing while the other guy remains calm and unrattled, you look weak. Trump and Vance made themselves look like fools.
In the end Trump is the big loser here because he looked like a giant baby and didn't get the mineral deal that he wanted.