With winter settling in, US President Donald Trump stepped out over the weekend in a plush burgundy scarf and an oversized black overcoat — and social media immediately took notice. What should have been a routine walk to Marine One on the South Lawn quickly turned into a viral fashion moment as users compared his outfit to the signature style of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani.
The comparisons came just hours after Trump met Mamdani at the White House. On Friday, their meeting wrapped up in a way that surprised some observers: Trump praised Mamdani and pushed back on several major Republican attack lines against him. He even said it was “ok” for Mamdani to have previously referred to him as a “fascist” when asked about those past comments.
Afterward, users on X suggested that Trump might be taking style cues from Mamdani, pointing to the deep-red neckwear and oversized black overcoat he wore while heading to Marine One.
“Quite a look for Trump today,” journalist Aaron Rupar wrote while sharing a clip of the president.
Political commentator Russell Drew added, “Yikes! Today, Donald Trump looks like a cross between Emperor Palpatine and Don Corleone! Zohran Mamdani really effed him up.”
“He meets with Mamdani one time and immediately tries to step his swag up,” journalist Ahmed Baba joked. “No way he’s copying the look,” another user wrote, posting an older image of Mamdani in a burgundy turtleneck and blazer.
One X user commented, “No way he out here doing Zohran Mamdani cosplay,” while another quipped, “It’s called the Mamdani. Trump dressed up for his crush.”
“Bro met Mamdani and decided that overcoats and fall palette sweaters were The Move going forward,” another user wrote.
Trump–Mamdani Meeting
On Friday, Trump said he wants to see Mamdani succeed, telling reporters after their highly anticipated sit-down that he would “feel very comfortable” living in a New York run by the mayor-elect and that he does not expect to cut off funding for the country’s most populous city.
“I expect to be helping him, not hurting him,” Trump said of Mamdani at a press conference. “I want New York City to be great,” he added.
Mamdani, for his part, said he is looking forward to working with the president to deliver affordability for New Yorkers — a priority he said they both agreed on.
