John Fetterman scoffs at GOP uproar over his clothing: ‘It’s bizarre’
‘I’m really enjoying it,” the Pennsylvania Democrat tells The Independent
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Senator John Fetterman scoffed when asked about Republican outrage at the Senate changing its dress code to accommodate the Pennyslvania Democrat.
On Sunday, Axios reported that Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer would get rid of the Senate dress code. Such a change would allow Mr Fetterman, who frequently wears hooded sweatshirts and shorts, to vote on the floor while in his typical outfit.
Immediately, Republicans criticised Mr Fetterman.
“Police. Firefighters. Judges. Pilots. They all have uniforms,” Sen Mike Lee (R-UT) posted on X, previously known as Twitter. “Ours is a suit and tie. We shouldn’t abandon it because it’s more comfortable to wear sweats.”
Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) similarly criticised the move.
“The Senate no longer enforcing a dress code for Senators to appease Fetterman is disgraceful,” she posted. “Dress code is one of society’s standards that set etiquette and respect for our institutions. Stop lowering the bar!”
But speaking to The Independent, Mr Fetterman brushed off the criticism.
“My favorite one was that I'm a revolting slob,” he said. “And you know, again I'm really enjoying it.”
Mr Fetterman, who made a virtue of his grizzled look as he won election last year, told The Independent that the Senate had more important matters to address.
“It's just strange why, you know, with everything and the issues that we should be dealing with right now, we're worried about how I dress,” he said. “It's bizarre.”
Mr Fetterman also addressed Gov Ron DeSantis (R-FL), whose campaign for the Republican nomination for president has lagged in recent months, for saying his actions were “disrespectful to the body.”
“I dress like he campaigns,” Mr Fetterman posted on X.
Later in the day, Mr Fetterman caught Virginia Sen Tim Kaine (D-VA) in the basement of the Russell Senate Office building where they hugged. Mr Kaine, a longtime Senator and former governor, was not wearing a tie with his suit.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments