The US president left people stunned this weekend when he appeared in a black wool coat and a burgundy scarf

Here’s a sentence I never expected to write: Donald Trump’s new burgundy scarf is dominating social media conversations.

Yes, the 79-year-old US president has suddenly become an unexpected fashion talking point after stepping out in an outfit that looks nothing like his usual attire — and people are convinced they know exactly why he changed his style.

On Saturday (22 November), Trump spoke briefly with reporters before boarding Marine One at the White House in Washington, D.C. But what caught the public’s attention wasn’t a controversial remark or a new policy announcement. Instead, all eyes were on the Republican leader’s wardrobe: a black wool button-up coat paired with a deep burgundy scarf.

Since Trump is almost always seen in his trademark look — a black or navy suit, white shirt, and bright red tie — this sudden shift felt surprisingly dramatic. Naturally, the internet exploded with reactions. Social media users immediately began theorising about what (or who) might have inspired this fashion detour.

Quite amusingly, many believe Trump took style notes from none other than New York City's newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani.

Mamdani recently made history as New York’s first Muslim mayor, the first mayor of South Asian heritage, and the first born on the African continent. At just 34, he is also the youngest to take the office in modern times — a Millennial mayor with a notably stylish Gen Z wife, Rama Duwaji, who has already gained attention as the city’s first-ever Gen Z First Lady.

Trump’s admiration is surprising to many, especially given that he has repeatedly expressed strong disapproval of the progressive Democrat. In the past, he even threatened to withhold federal funding if Mamdani were elected.

That’s why people were shocked when, on Friday (21 November), the two leaders met at the White House in a surprisingly warm and civil exchange. Trump went so far as to say he hoped Mamdani would be a “really great mayor” and insisted he was “confident that he can do a very good job.”

Online observers didn’t miss the timing. Many now suspect that Trump may have been influenced by Mamdani’s cool, contemporary style — especially the mayor’s crisp suits and distinctive silver rings — leading to Trump’s unexpectedly trendy weekend look.

Twitter, of course, had a field day.

One user wrote:
“Alert. Trump wore a coat and scarf and now the internet is freaking out.”

Another joked:
“Google searches for burgundy scarves spiked yesterday after Trump pulled off an all-time fit. Fashion icon.”

A third commenter added another layer of humor:
“Trump’s new wardrobe retrofit is being mocked online, with politicos calling his turtleneck-and-scarf moment the ‘Mamdani Effect’ — a tribute to his affectionate interaction with his new political crush.”

Someone else quipped:
“Trump when Mamdani gifted him the scarf.”

Another person chimed in:
“Mamdani cooked so hard Trump stole his fit.”

And one particularly dedicated user even posted side-by-side photos of Mamdani and Trump in similar outfits, writing:
“BREAKING: Trump COPIES Mamdani’s outfit. Who wore it BETTER?”

Whether Trump genuinely took fashion tips from the new mayor or simply wanted to try something different for the chilly November weather, one thing is clear: a burgundy scarf has just become the most talked-about accessory in American politics.