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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.

    Image credits: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

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    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
    12 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
    12 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
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not as disrespectful as Trump as president.

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    12 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...
    Carl Roberts
    Community Member
    12 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.

    Roni Stone
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got no problem with it at all. PrezFelon doesn't deserve anything more than that. But if it had been me within spitting distance of orange, I would actually have spit in his direction. I can't respect the office of the president anymore when Americans feel that an insurrectionist, adjudicated rapist, and convicted felon is worthy to hold it. Twice this nation has rejected exceedingly qualified women to vote in this piece of floating toilet garbage instead. Lets me know what America thinks of women overall. Less than trash.

    Tammy
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trump got elected and Elon got up there and gave his little N^z! salute and you wanna worry about gym shorts? This is ridiculous.

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

    Why aren’t more people talking about the salute?? It was so obvious!

    Load More Replies...
    David Beth
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It shouldn't matter what you look like. Just do your job. Not wearing a tie isn't "disrespectful". Stop worrying about what other people are wearing.

    ispeak catanese
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Went to college with Fetterman, he has always dressed this way. He continues to do it to mock the ridiculousness of the types of politics the others ascribe to. He works for his constituents. It's a message.

    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bernie Saunders wears silly woollen gloves and becomes a beloved meme. This guy wears shorts and apparently he's the devil or something.

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, the entire nation was disgraced at the inauguration. In a separate story, someone attended in shorts.

    Blah Blah Blah
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not that it's the same per say, it's that trump shows representation in ways like - do what I want when I want with zero repercussions - so why should the rest of everyone in office, at any level, care whatsoever. It's a way of telling everyone in office just do whatever you want, nothings going to happen to you, we're all above the law. And that's the actual issue everyone has, everyone with a brain that is.

    Load More Replies...
    David
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are we surprised that the man who shows up on the senate floor, all interviews, even black tie political fundraisers in shorts and a sweatshirt wears one to the inauguration? Is this news? It would be news if he wore a suit, which only happened when Zelensky spoke to congress, when Netanyahu did, and for a few weeks when the Senate forced him to, before they backed off.

    Load More Comments
    Tamra
    Community Member
    12 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
    12 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
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not as disrespectful as Trump as president.

    General Anaesthesia
    Community Member
    12 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...
    Carl Roberts
    Community Member
    12 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.

    Roni Stone
    Community Member
    Premium
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I got no problem with it at all. PrezFelon doesn't deserve anything more than that. But if it had been me within spitting distance of orange, I would actually have spit in his direction. I can't respect the office of the president anymore when Americans feel that an insurrectionist, adjudicated rapist, and convicted felon is worthy to hold it. Twice this nation has rejected exceedingly qualified women to vote in this piece of floating toilet garbage instead. Lets me know what America thinks of women overall. Less than trash.

    Tammy
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Trump got elected and Elon got up there and gave his little N^z! salute and you wanna worry about gym shorts? This is ridiculous.

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

    Why aren’t more people talking about the salute?? It was so obvious!

    Load More Replies...
    David Beth
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It shouldn't matter what you look like. Just do your job. Not wearing a tie isn't "disrespectful". Stop worrying about what other people are wearing.

    ispeak catanese
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Went to college with Fetterman, he has always dressed this way. He continues to do it to mock the ridiculousness of the types of politics the others ascribe to. He works for his constituents. It's a message.

    Becky Samuel
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bernie Saunders wears silly woollen gloves and becomes a beloved meme. This guy wears shorts and apparently he's the devil or something.

    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, the entire nation was disgraced at the inauguration. In a separate story, someone attended in shorts.

    Blah Blah Blah
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not that it's the same per say, it's that trump shows representation in ways like - do what I want when I want with zero repercussions - so why should the rest of everyone in office, at any level, care whatsoever. It's a way of telling everyone in office just do whatever you want, nothings going to happen to you, we're all above the law. And that's the actual issue everyone has, everyone with a brain that is.

    Load More Replies...
    David
    Community Member
    12 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why are we surprised that the man who shows up on the senate floor, all interviews, even black tie political fundraisers in shorts and a sweatshirt wears one to the inauguration? Is this news? It would be news if he wore a suit, which only happened when Zelensky spoke to congress, when Netanyahu did, and for a few weeks when the Senate forced him to, before they backed off.

    Load More Comments
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