Michael Caine, 91, has found himself at the centre of a row among social media users following a series of X posts in the wake of Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky's heated exchange in the Oval Office on Friday.
The US and Ukrainian presidents clashed in an explosive confrontation at the White House yesterday, with the US president accusing his Ukrainian counterpart of "gambling with World War III".
The extraordinary exchange, rarely seen in the Oval Office, saw Trump tell Zelensky he was being "disrespectful" to the United States.
The meeting, which was meant to precede the signing of a minerals deal, quickly descended into a tense public argument.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelensky of being ungrateful for America's support during the war with Russia.
The confrontation escalated when Vance told Zelensky the war needed to end through diplomacy.
Trump calm down
— Michael Caine (@themichaelcaine) February 28, 2025
Zelensky responded by asking "what kind of diplomacy?" before being accused of disrespect by the vice-president.
"You don't have the cards right now. With us, you start having cards," Trump told Zelensky, raising his voice.
Trump insisted he was "trying to solve a problem" whilst Zelensky argued Ukraine's problems might affect America "in the future".
"You're in no position to dictate what we're going to feel," Trump shot back.
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Donald Trump told Zelensky he is 'gambling with World War 3'REUTERS
Following the war of words, political commentators and those watching at home soon took to social media to share their opinions on the incident - including actor Caine.
The 91-year-old shared his thoughts throughout three posts, the first being the three words "Trump calm down" followed by two others that read: "Calm down... You're only suppose to sign a cease fire." (sic)
While some saw the funny side of Caine's posts, others were less than impressed that he suggested the US President may have behaved overzealously.
"Save your opinion for Starmer. DJT is leading the way just fine," one X user hit back before a second agreed: "He is speaking for Americans. And we love it! You calm down."
"You can’t have foreign leaders come in the Oval Office and demand more money. This is such a disrespectful act on his part," a third said in defence of Trump while a fourth hit out at Caine: "NO. Stay in your lane Mr Caine. You’re in my top 5 actors of all time. I’d like it to stay that way."
However, others were keen to stick up for the actor in the debate, with one replying: "Thank you, Michael."
"Sir Michael Caine is 91 years old, intelligent and has a sense of humour. Some berks posting below could with a little more of the last two," a second weighed in before a third cheekily put: "That'll teach him Michael." (sic)
Trump hasn't addressed Caine's response but following the tense exchange, he did take to Truth Social to express his frustration.
"I have determined that President Zelensky is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations," Trump wrote. "I don't want advantage, I want PEACE."
Trump added that Zelensky had "disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office".
He concluded his statement by saying Zelensky "can come back when he is ready for peace".
The meeting was intended to culminate in the signing of a minerals deal giving Washington access to Ukrainian oil, gas and rare minerals.
Michael Caine has come under fire for his tweets about Trump and Zelensky's face-off
PATrump had earlier told Zelensky the minerals deal was "very fair" and could be worth up to $1 trillion. However, the agreement was not signed following the heated exchange.
Zelensky was seen leaving the White House in his official vehicle well ahead of the pre-planned schedule. The Ukrainian president later posted on social media thanking the president and the US four times.
Russia said Trump and Vance had acted with restraint against Zelensky, with a foreign ministry spokeswoman claiming it was "a miracle" they hadn't hit the Ukrainian leader.
European allies rallied behind Zelensky. French president Emmanuel Macron emphasised that Russia was the aggressor.
Poland's president Donald Tusk told Ukraine: "You are not alone."
In the US, Democrats accused Trump and Vance of doing Putin's "dirty work", while some Republican lawmakers supported Trump's position after the confrontation.
