A hoodie, shorts and swag: US senator defies cold, formal suits and elegant coats for Donald Trump's inauguration

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Senator John Fetterman made a notable appearance at President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration by wearing a black hoodie, gray gym shorts, and sneakers despite the freezing temperatures and traditional dress codes. His casual attire, seen as a symbol of relatability, sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising his approachability while others criticized it as disrespectful for the formal occasion.

In a sea of formal suits and elegant coats, senator John Fetterman stood out — not for political reasons, but for his sartorial choice. Arriving at President-elect Donald Trump’s Inauguration on a bitterly cold day in Washington, Fetterman donned his signature black hoodie, gray gym shorts, and sneakers, defying both the frigid temperatures and traditional dress codes.

With temperatures hovering around 20°F and wind chills in the teens, Washington had declared a cold weather emergency ahead of the event. The swearing-in ceremony itself was moved indoors due to the dangerously low temperatures. Yet, the 55-year-old senator seemed unfazed, powering through the icy conditions in his casual attire.

Fetterman’s unconventional wardrobe has been his hallmark throughout his career, even in settings that typically demand more formal attire. While he has occasionally complied with Senate dress codes — wearing a suit and tie while presiding over proceedings — he is known for pushing the boundaries of political fashion. At last year’s White House Correspondents’ Association dinner, for instance, he opted for a tuxedo hoodie instead of traditional black-tie apparel.

His outfit at the inauguration quickly went viral on social media, sparking a mix of reactions. Admirers applauded his relatability and connection to everyday Americans.

“The dude represents the ‘common man,’ so there’s nothing wrong with dressing like the common man. I love this, personally!” one user wrote.

“Normal attire for him. I thought I’d hate him, but he’s actually one of the most sensible Democrats in Washington,” another chimed in.

Others, however, criticised his choice as inappropriate for such a significant national occasion.

“It’s appalling and disrespectful to the country,” one commenter argued. “Maybe next time a national ceremonial process happens, Republicans should show up in their pajamas too.”

“Zero class. Zero respect for the presidency. Zero respect for himself. It’s embarrassing,” another user wrote.

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