Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fetterman has arrived at the inauguration of Donald Trump wearing just shorts and a hoodie with temperatures in Washington DC plunging to a frosty -6C.
Photos showed the politician arriving at Trump’s inauguration wearing a black hooded top and grey shorts, both part of his trademark style since he was elected to office in 2023. The Senator’s fashion choice stands in stark contrast to the overwhelming majority of attendees who were seen wearing suits and dresses.
Temperatures in the US capitol fell to -6C today, but according to local reports it felt as cold as -11C. As a result, many of those attending today’s inauguration have wrapped up warmly for the occasion.
Fetterman has frustrated many in the Democratic party after he appeared to warm to Trump in numerous comments made on podcasts and to news media. Fetterman previously told KDKA-AM that he had not changed his “core values”.
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He added engaging with Republicans was “one of the reasons why they (voters) elected me, they wanted me to do things.” Fetterman previously banded Trump a felon – a remark pointing to the 47th President’s 34 felony convictions in New York State.
Fetterman has previously broken with many in the Democratic party, coming out strongly in favour of Israel during its war in Gaza. Many on the left of the party have condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza calling its military actions disproportionate.
The Senator’s path to Congress has not been easy, despite easily winning a three-candidate primary. He survived a stroke during the campaign and became the only Democrat to flip a Republican Senate seat in 2023.
Fetterman’s warming to Trump has reminded many political observers and those in the Democratic party of Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia who proved to be thorns in Joe Biden’s side during his presidency. The pair, elected as Democrats, later become political independents.
Trump’s inauguration is a remarkable turn around of his fortunes following the January 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol. The Republican overcame two impeachment attempts and easily won the party’s nomination in 2024.
Despite predictions of a close race between him and Democrat candidate Kamala Harris, Trump swept all swing states and won a convincing victory. He is the first president in more than 100 years to serve two non-consecutive terms.
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