Users have dug up an old photo of Barack Obama in the same outfit that Trump wore last weekend that got a lot of attention for its particular change
As President Donald Trump ventured out of his fashion comfort zone last weekend, some pointed out that his arch-nemesis, Barack Obama, had actually worn the same fit.
Photos of Trump in a fitted suit and coat with a stylish scarlet-red scarf led many to wonder about the origins of this sudden change. While some on X pointed to his newfound friendship with NYC Mayor-Elect, Zohran Mamdani, who was photoshopped wearing the same threads – but some eagle-eyed viewer noticed that it was Barack Obama actually wore it first.
In 2011, at the national Christmas Tree lighting, Barack Obama was pictured waving to cameras in the same coat and dark scarf that Trump has been pictured wearing since, leaving people to debate: “Who wore it best?”
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The photos have left fans of both politicians arguing online. Many popular answers come in variations of, “Obama did EVERYTHING better.”
Apparently, dark red and fit black coats are the chosen encore outfit of popular politicians – and interestingly, tracks with a bit of fashion history. Scarlet, dark red scarves have notably been worn with symbolic meanings of military rank, political affiliation, and luxury – with a bit of personal expression and utility mixed in.
In parts of Eastern Europe, red scarves were worn by communists; in Western Europe, they were a symbol of decadence, especially those with Kashmiri motifs; and in France, red scarves became a symbol of counter-protest to the liberal Yellow Vest movement, among other prominent political movements.
Even Ludwig Van Beethoven notably wore a bold red silk scarf to woo another musician. More recently, Taylor Swift referenced a red scarf on an album, leaving some wondering if it wasn’t a subtle nod to the singer after Trump and his son were caught blasting a Swift song while driving – despite his previous comments on how “not hot” he thinks she is.
The scarf situation turned into a meme fiasco over the weekend, with some liberals complimenting Trump on getting some “swag” as his usual outfits include a less-than-fitted suit with a white shirt and bright tie.
As Fox News tried to air Trump’s comments, viewers were left distracted as X erupted with commentary about Trump’s fashion choice. Journalist Aaron Rupar reposted the Fox News clip of the President in the extended coat, on his X account, garnering thousands of likes from users.
Users poking fun at Trump and Zohran Mamdani’s sudden love for each other after months of hurling names at each other couldn’t help but attribute Trump’s fashion change to the common ground between the two politicians at their first meeting.
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