Bernie Sanders ditches iconic mittens look while swearing in socialist Zohran Mamdani as NYC mayor

Sanders' appearance marked a visual departure from the image that made him a global pop culture figure four years ago, when photos of the Vermont senator bundled in a winter coat and handmade mittens spread rapidly across social media during Biden's inauguration.

He told the crowd that volunteers "took on the Democratic establishment, the Republican establishment, the president of the United States and some enormously wealthy oligarchs."

Sanders formally administered the oath of office shortly after 2:40 p.m., prompting chants of "Zohran" from the crowd gathered at City Hall.

Sanders' attire drew widespread attention in 2021, when images of him sitting alone wearing brown chevron mittens with his arms and legs crossed became one of the most widely shared visuals of Biden's inauguration, spawning memes, merchandise and fundraising efforts.

During Thursday's inauguration ceremony, a similarly cross-legged Sanders showed up sitting patiently in the audience during the performance of the socialist anthem "Bread and Roses" by Lucy Dacus.

On Tuesday, Sanders appeared in standard winter gloves, a blue beanie and a puffy green coat instead.