Former US President Donald Trump drew widespread attention after stepping out at the White House wearing a new burgundy scarf beneath a black over-coat, marking a departure from his customary winter attire. The image, appearing on November 22, 2025, immediately went viral as social-media users compared the look not only to the villainous imagery of the “Star Wars” character Emperor Palpatine but also to the style of New York’s incoming mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
Trump’s change of wardrobe coincided with the previous day’s meeting at the White House with Mayor-elect Mamdani, who is 34 years old and part of a younger generation of Democrats in New York. The meeting, held on November 21, had been widely anticipated given the ideological differences between Trump and Mamdani, but instead the two emerged appearing cordial. What followed, however, was that Trump’s accessory choice rapidly generated speculation about whether the former president was signalling a softer image, borrowing youth-oriented style cues, or simply experimenting. Social-media commentary included remarks such as: “He meets with Mamdani one time and immediately tries to step his swag up,” shared on the platform X. #WATCH : President Trump stepped out in a fresh style, sporting a burgundy scarf and a sleek long black wool coat.#POTUS #Trump #NewLook #TrumpLook #Fashion pic.twitter.com/2WkOKHWEu6 — upuknews (@upuknews1) November 24, 2025
At the White House South Lawn, as Trump prepared to depart aboard Marine One, the burgundy scarf caught immediate visual attention. A clip of the moment, posted by journalist Aaron Rupar with the caption “Quite a look for Trump today,” amassed millions of views. On X, one commentator wrote: “Yikes! Today, Donald Trump looks like a cross between Emperor Palpatine and Don Corleone!”
From a historical standpoint, Trump has rarely changed his winter styling significantly from the classic dark over-coat and traditional neckwear. The notable shift to a bold colour for the scarf in question therefore drew attention not just as a fashion moment but potentially as a symbolic gesture. Some online users pointed out that in earlier photos of Zohran Mamdani, the younger politician has been seen wearing a burgundy turtleneck or dark blazer combined with deep red neck-wear—leading many to suggest Trump’s scarf might be a visual echo.