The Associated Press is being mocked after publishing an article about Sen. John Fetterman’s (D-Pa.) decision to wear hoodies and gym shorts.
In a tweet, the AP shared an article and wrote, “Sen. John Fetterman used to walk the halls of the Senate stone-faced and in formal suits. Now, he’s more relaxed, in hoodies and gym shorts.”
“People close to Fetterman say it’s a sign of progress after six weeks of inpatient treatment for depression,” it added.
Sen. John Fetterman used to walk the halls of the Senate stone-faced and in formal suits. Now, he’s more relaxed, in hoodies and gym shorts.
— The Associated Press (@AP) May 21, 2023
People close to Fetterman say it's a sign of progress after six weeks of inpatient treatment for depression. https://t.co/CZU3wqhcFn
The article came after Fetterman’s six-week stay at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center where he was treated for clinical depression. It noted senators sometimes cast votes in “casual clothing,” as it pointed out, “Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, for example, is known for sometimes arriving in gym clothes.”
“But Fetterman’s regular attire is redefining fashion in the stuffy Senate. He’s turning heads on a daily basis as he walks the halls in his signature baggy Carhartt sweatshirts and saggy gym shorts, his hulking figure surrounded by much more formally dressed Washington types buzzing around the Capitol,” it added.
The AP reported Fetterman’s staff told him to “always wear suits, which he famously hates.” However, it reported his staff checked with the Senate parliamentarian and realized he could wear his hoodies as long as he did not walk onto the Senate floor.
Not everyone agreed this change of attire was a sign of progress, including, “a modern day Diogenes.”
Check out some of the reactions below:
Did you hurt yourself with that reach?
— Jacob Airey (@realJacobAirey) May 21, 2023
Fact check: False. It's a sign that he disrespects the office of Senator and the people of Pennsylvania who he represents.
— Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) May 22, 2023
Also, it's probably easier for his handlers to dress him in a hoodie and gym shorts than a suit every day.
Just delete your account, @AP.
— Ultra Grateful Calvin ???? ? (@shoveitjack) May 21, 2023
You can open a new sub account under @DNC.
this is hilarious
— Gregg Re (@gregg_re) May 21, 2023
a modern day Diogenes. https://t.co/19qcPGMjKA
— Jason Stockwell (@jstock37) May 22, 2023
It’s now unreasonable to expect a Senator to be able to communicate and wear a dress shirt https://t.co/MhTdrerjya
— Sunny McSunnyface (@sunnyright) May 22, 2023
Some of the worst spin
— Jim Hanson (@JimHansonDC) May 22, 2023
Ever https://t.co/D9GQAGrIpU
“Sen. John Fetterman used to walk the halls of the Senate in a suit. Then, he wore gym shorts and a hoodie. Now, he wears nothing but a robe and slippers because he’s healthier than ever.” https://t.co/4YNQv0ly5w
— Kate Hyde (@KateHydeNY) May 22, 2023
That’s not a sign of progress. https://t.co/lLKCYR8kpH
— Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) May 22, 2023
Fetterman was previously criticized for attending a press conference with his fellow senators while wearing a hoodie.