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“Disrespectful To The Entire Country”: Senator Uses Gym Shorts At Presidential Inauguration
“Disrespectful To The Entire Country”: Senator Uses Gym Shorts At Presidential Inauguration
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“Disrespectful To The Entire Country”: Senator Uses Gym Shorts At Presidential Inauguration

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An official event such as the presidential inauguration demands the best in terms of decorum and sobriety from its attendants, with important figures donning their most elegant attires for the occasion—except for Senator John Fetterman.

The 55-year-old former Pennsylvania governor and member of the Democratic Party arrived at the premises wearing nothing but his signature black hoodie, gray gym shorts, and sneakers, with what many interpreted as an intentional show of disrespect.

Highlights
  • Senator Fetterman attended Trump's inauguration in his trademark hoodie and gym shorts.
  • Fetterman's casual attire sparked criticism from viewers who felt it was disrespectful.
  • Supporters praised Fetterman's down-to-earth style and authenticity.

“Fetterman, have you no respect for the importance of the office of the Presidency to at least wear a pair of pants, a shirt, and a jacket, rather than dressing like you just got done working out at the gym!?” a viewer wrote.

Interestingly, the Senator has remained fairly neutral towards Trump, stating in a 2024 interview that he wasn’t “rooting against him” and that he recognized that the President-elect had “political talent that’s undeniable.”

RELATED:

    Senator John Fetterman drew the ire of viewers after attending Trump’s inauguration in nothing but a hoodie and a pair of shorts

    Senator speaking at a podium during a presidential inauguration, wearing casual clothing in front of an American flag.

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    Image credits: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

    Far from being an intentional jab at the President or other attendants, Fetterman’s choice of attire is consistent with his habit of ignoring formal clothing in favor of more comfortable options, regardless of the nature of the events he goes to.

    His down-to-earth attitude, coupled with his 6-foot-8-inch stature, endeared him to his supporters, who consider Fetterman’s refusal to wear formal clothing unless strictly necessary a boost to his image.

    A senator wearing casual attire, including a hoodie, sits indoors in a relaxed setting.

    Image credits: NBC News

    His appearance at Trump’s inauguration follows a visit to Mar-a-Lago last week, where he personally met with the President-elect.

    Despite being a Democrat, the Senator has become one of the more Trump-friendly figures in the party, having been vocally against Harris’ campaign rhetoric surrounding her opponent and his adherents.

    Senator John Fetterman’s choice of attire— despite eliciting the ire of a segment of the audience—did not strictly violate any formal rules

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    A senator in gym shorts at a presidential inauguration, wearing a hoodie among formally dressed attendees.

    Image credits: EricLDaugh

    Contrary to popular belief, there is no official dress code for presidential inaugurations, with attendees being expected—but not forced to—wear formal attire as a sign of respect.

    Senator in gym shorts attending a formal presidential inauguration event, seated in a crowded venue.

    Image credits: Kevin Lamarque/Getty Images

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    “Does he not own a pair of pants? What a slob,” one user wrote, pointing out the shorts the Senator wore despite the cold weather.

    “A public servant should know about decorum,” another said. “Obviously, Pennsylvania is too backward.”

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    Despite his political standing, Fetterman has long clarified that he’s not a Senator for Democrats but for all Pennsylvanians

    “If you’re rooting against the president, you are rooting against the nation,” the Senator explained. 

    “I’m not ever going to be where I want a president to fail. So, country first. I know that’s become maybe like a cliché, but it happens to be true.”

    “Dude is going to be himself.” While many criticized the Senator for his choice of attire, others praised him for his authenticity

    Tweet criticizing a senator's gym shorts at presidential inauguration as disrespectful to the country.

    Image credits: dudeodnv

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    Tweet by NickDyerFit discussing dress code and executive orders with a laughing emoji.

    Image credits: nickdyerfit1

    Tweet reacting to a senator in gym shorts at the presidential inauguration, calling it disrespectful.

    Image credits: ttwnlinda

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    Tweet discusses importance beyond clothing choice at ceremony, referencing senator's gym shorts and focusing on priorities.

    Image credits: TammyLouFreedom

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    Tweet about senator's gym shorts at inauguration, humorously noting consistent style.

    Image credits: dontcallmeraylo

    Tweet criticizing gym shorts worn by a senator at presidential inauguration.

    Image credits: FrankieBstock

    Tweet commenting on senator's gym shorts at presidential inauguration, expressing appreciation for genuine character.

    Image credits: Red_Don14

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    Tweet criticizing a senator for disrespectful attire at a presidential inauguration event.

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    Image credits: basedandbiased1

    Valentina Gomez tweets "Absolutely classless" in response to senator's gym shorts at inauguration.

    Image credits: ValentinaForUSA

    Tweet discussing a senator wearing gym shorts at presidential inauguration, calling him "based" and "comfortable.

    Image credits: DeadwalkerUSMC

    Tweet screenshot expressing passive aggressiveness in response to a senator wearing gym shorts.

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    Image credits: DataRepublican

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    Tweet criticizing a senator for wearing gym shorts at a presidential inauguration.

    Image credits: MrsKinder

    Tweet criticizing gym shorts at presidential inauguration as disrespectful.

    Image credits: Dreamsongs17

    Tweet criticizing gym shorts at presidential inauguration, highlighting disrespect.

    Image credits: marriedtooyoung

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    Tweet about a senator wearing gym shorts at an inauguration, discussing fashion choices.

    Image credits: MarsDavis22

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    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Read more »

    Born in Santiago, Chile, with a background in communication and international relations, I bring a global perspective to entertainment reporting at Bored Panda. I cover celebrity news, Hollywood events, true crime, and viral stories that resonate across cultures. My reporting has been featured on Google News, connecting international audiences to the latest in entertainment. For me, journalism is about bridging local stories with global conversations, arming readers with the knowledge necessary to make up their own minds. Research is at the core of my work. I believe that well-sourced, factual storytelling is essential to building trust and driving meaningful engagement.

    Read less »
    Abel Musa Miño

    Abel Musa Miño

    Writer, Entertainment News Writer

    Born in Santiago, Chile, with a background in communication and international relations, I bring a global perspective to entertainment reporting at Bored Panda. I cover celebrity news, Hollywood events, true crime, and viral stories that resonate across cultures. My reporting has been featured on Google News, connecting international audiences to the latest in entertainment. For me, journalism is about bridging local stories with global conversations, arming readers with the knowledge necessary to make up their own minds. Research is at the core of my work. I believe that well-sourced, factual storytelling is essential to building trust and driving meaningful engagement.

    What do you think ?
    Tamra
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trump has made a joke of the office of the presidency. He's a felon and sex offender. Apparently anything goes now, so I think a senator wearing shorts is the very, very least of our worries.

    Nikole
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trump just withdrew us from the WHO. I couldn’t give a fúck about shorts.

    Load More Replies...
    Catherine Monelle
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not as disrespectful as Trump as president.

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    10 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Only magats care, and only because he's a Democrat. Just like the budget deficit.

    Load More Replies...
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    Carl Roberts
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fetterman was wearing gym shorts in session multiple times during the Biden administration and BP had NO problem with it. Yet, suddenly, now it's an issue.

    Load More Comments
    Tamra
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trump has made a joke of the office of the presidency. He's a felon and sex offender. Apparently anything goes now, so I think a senator wearing shorts is the very, very least of our worries.

    Nikole
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trump just withdrew us from the WHO. I couldn’t give a fúck about shorts.

    Load More Replies...
    Catherine Monelle
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not as disrespectful as Trump as president.

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    10 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Only magats care, and only because he's a Democrat. Just like the budget deficit.

    Load More Replies...
    ADVERTISEMENT
    Carl Roberts
    Community Member
    10 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fetterman was wearing gym shorts in session multiple times during the Biden administration and BP had NO problem with it. Yet, suddenly, now it's an issue.

    Load More Comments
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