OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
A guest who is a reporter for the New York Post was ‘booted’ off the set of “Fox & Friends” on Monday after he showed up dressed like the hoodie-and-shorts-wearing Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.).
But don’t worry: It was all a gag and a set-up.
The reporter, Jon Levine, had recently documented for his outlet recent attempts to get into some of New York’s swankiest restaurants while dressed in a hoodie, basketball shorts, and sneakers, which Fetterman has been cleared to wear now, thanks to a big rule change last week by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
Sitting on the Fox set with co-host Steve Doocy, Levine noted, “Civilization is a choice that we make every single day.”
“You woke up today, and you put on — very early in the morning — and you put on a suit and tie. I have only ever seen you on this show in a suit and tie because you have great respect for yourself and your audience,” said Levine. “But in the United States Senate, you can just march in like you came out of a pilates class. It’s just a difference in standards that we’re seeing, and it’s a choice that he is just not making.”
Asked if he had any trouble getting into the Fox News building earlier this morning for the segment, Levine appeared to joke when he said security personnel were “very hostile” towards him.
“I was nearly tackled by some of the guys out there when I tried to walk in,” he joked.
As the show prepared for the top of the 7 a.m. hour, Levine joined the co-hosts on the couch set, where Doocy then turned to co-host Lawrence Jones and asked, “I know you have only been here a week, but don’t we have standards when it comes to dress code on the couch?”
“We are not the Senate,” said Jones, which led Doocy to tell Levine, “Jon, I’m sorry. Get out.” At that point, he was then led off the set to bursts of laughter.
New York Post Reporter Dressed Like John Fetterman Forcibly Removed From Fox & Friends Set https://t.co/KmotcppMRX
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) September 25, 2023
'SHORT' CHANGED: Columnist finds out the hard way that the Fetterman standard isn't acceptable just everywhere. @LevineJonathan details his rejections from some of New York City's ritziest restaurants on @foxandfriends. pic.twitter.com/s5RHiL3r4f
— Fox News (@FoxNews) September 25, 2023
Later, Levine told his former employer, Mediaite, “It was a gag… I think!”
In April, after being out for several weeks to get treatment for clinical depression following a big stroke suffered last year on the campaign trail, Fetterman returned to the Senate in his now-infamous mode of dress.
The Pennsylvania Democrat showed up in a black hoodie and shorts after six weeks of treatment for clinical depression.
The senator declined to answer any questions from the press as he entered the Capitol, which was one of the few visits since assuming office in January, Fox News reported.
“It’s great to be back. Thank you,” he repeatedly said as he walked into the building.
Democrat Senator John Fetterman refuses to take questions as he returns to the Capitol for the first time since mid-February pic.twitter.com/JyTRQ1sIKe
— RNC Research (@RNCResearch) April 17, 2023
Several conservatives responded to Fetterman’s arrival and appearance.
“Welcome back to John Fetterman, further proof that cognition, speech comprehension, emotional balance, and even showing up for work are no longer necessary for a career in Democrat politics!” Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk noted.
“How could anyone take the calls for @SenFeinstein to step down seriously when the DEMs spend more than a year excusing the deteriorating health of @JohnFetterman? If you supported Fetterman running for Senate or didn’t raise concerns about his health, please take several seats,” Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) added.
Fetterman’s brain injury following a near-fatal stroke in May 2022 has likely left him with permanent damage, according to his chief of staff.
In February, his office announced that he had left the hospital after a two-day stay after the he suffered an episode of dizziness.
“A few minutes ago, Senator Fetterman was discharged from the hospital. In addition to the CT, CTA, and MRI tests ruling out a stroke, his EEG test results came back normal, with no evidence of seizures. John is looking forward to returning to the Senate on Monday,” his spokesman Joe Calvello said on the X platform at the time.
