In a marked departure from traditional political decorum, Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman was seen sporting an unusually casual attire, comprising of shorts and sneakers, at President Donald Trump's second inauguration. This event took place indoors at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda due to low temperatures.
According to Yahoo! News, Senator Fetterman's choice of a black hoodie and shorts contrasts starkly against the formal wear of other attendees at the ceremony.
The inauguration, held on January 20, had to be moved inside because of chilly weather conditions. The thermometer readings were in the low 20s Fahrenheit, with biting wind chills further reducing the felt air temperature into the teens.
CBS reporter Scott MacFarlane noted on X, "Wind chill in the teens... as Sen John Fetterman (D-PA) arrives at Capitol in shorts," highlighting the unusual nature of Fetterman's attire given the freezing weather.
Despite the cold, the event was graced by high-profile individuals. Noteworthy figures like Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jeff Bezos were present, adding a layer of tech elite prominence to the political gathering.
The first lady, Melania Trump, also attracted attention with her fashion choice. She wore a dark coat and skirt designed by Adam Lippes, complemented by a wide-brimmed hat, a distinctive style not seen since Hillary Clinton's appearance at a daytime inauguration in 1996. The deep contrasts in attendee attire underscored the varied personal styles present at such national events.
Senator Fetterman is no stranger to breaking the mold. His preference for casual clothing even at formal events is well-documented and aligns with his approachable politician persona.
His outfit at the inauguration was no different, and despite the formal nature of the event, he stuck to his signature style with a simplistic black hoodie matching his casual shorts and sneakers.
Interestingly, Fetterman's visible tattoos, which include dates marking violent deaths during his tenure as mayor of Braddock, Pennsylvania, add a personal and poignant touch to his public appearance, highlighting his deep connections to his community's history.
The diverse attire at the inauguration, from Senator Fetterman's relaxed outfit to Melania Trump's elegant ensemble, sparked conversations about the suitability and symbolism of clothing choices at such significant political events.
While some may view Fetterman's attire as a breach of protocol, others see it as a hallmark of his authenticity and a representation of his commitment to remain true to himself and his constituents. In contrast, Melania Trump's attire echoed a return to traditional and formal presidential ceremony wear, emphasizing the ceremonial nature of the political transfer of power.
Senator Fetterman’s attire at the inauguration could be seen as setting a new precedent or reinforcing his distinct identity in the political landscape, which may influence public expectations and the portrayal of politicians in the media.
His consistent choice of casual wear boldly challenges the customary sartorial standards of political figures, especially during high-stakes, highly publicized events like inaugurations. This juxtaposition between Fetterman's approach to style and more traditional figures could potentially lead to broader acceptance of diverse personal expressions within the political sphere.
The 2025 inauguration ceremony was as much a display of personal style as it was a formal celebration of continued leadership. The attire of individuals like Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and First Lady Melania Trump highlighted their identities while also contributing to the broader dialogue about norms and expectations in political appearances. As society evolves, so too does the acceptability of breaking away from traditional norms, fostering a more inclusive environment for personal expression in public life.