Political Dimensions of the MAGA Style

Exploring what lies beneath the facade of 'Republican makeup'.

Throughout American history, presidents have often brought their own sense of style to the White House. George W. Bush had his signature Western attire complete with cowboy boots and hats, while Barack Obama introduced more streamlined suits. Michelle Obama, during her tenure as First Lady, also contributed by showcasing a resurgence of American fashion design.

Each presidency tends to develop its own visual narrative. Of particular interest is how those surrounding Donald Trump, including his supporters, have embraced what many see as the administration's distinctive style. This look, as noted by Gabrielle Berbey from Today, Explained, might seem like a nod to traditional beauty standards but in reality, it signals a new wave of intensity.

The so-called 'MAGA aesthetic' goes beyond mere fashion and connects deeply with Trump's political aspirations in his second term. To delve deeper into this phenomenon, I consulted with Berbey, who has examined this topic in depth on her podcast series.

Deciphering the MAGA Image

When one thinks of the MAGA look, a starkly gendered image comes to mind. Men often sport either a clean shave or full beard, with finely trimmed hairstyles. Their physique appears robust, complemented by clothing like tech-fabric shirts and jeans or chinos, often coupled with tough-looking boots.

For women, long flowing hair and conspicuous makeup define the look — traits including pronounced eyebrows and vibrant lips, paired with form-fitting dresses. This visual motif is purposefully eye-catching, bordering on the artificial.

This aesthetic grouping is vividly apparent in Trump’s immediate circle, especially among women of Fox News and others linked to Trump’s sphere, who often don this signature makeup style. The preference for pronounced eye makeup and sturdy brows emphasizes the group's collective identity.

The Underlying Facade

Interestingly, beyond cosmetic choices, there seems to be an undercurrent of more significant cosmetic procedures, particularly among women and some men as well. The wave of apparent plastic surgery is bolder compared to past decades when subtlety was the rule.

Notably, none of Trump’s affiliates have officially acknowledged undergoing such procedures. However, public speculation continues around figures like Kristi Noem, Lara Trump, and Kimberly Guilfoyle, among others. Only Noem has confessed to cosmetic dentistry.

Mother Jones reporter Inae Oh has scrutinized this trend, questioning whether physical appearance is somehow intertwined with navigating Trump's circles of influence. Importantly, Trump's fondness for picking candidates who seem 'straight out of central casting' implies a preference for visually striking personas.

Ties Between Appearance and Policy

The overt style evident in Trump’s cohort arguably parallels the administration’s policies. Berbey and Oh suggest that Trump 2.0 projects an exaggerated sense, much like its policies, drawing a stark contrast to the subtler approach of Trump’s first term.

This likeness to reality TV — with its penchant for drama and spectacle — encapsulates a form of distraction where aesthetic appeal often overshadows policy substance. Such heightened visuals and performances, including instances like overly stylized Department of Homeland Security videos, shift focus away from the real implications of policy.

In essence, the aesthetics and the political agenda converge in a manner that invites critical examination. This dual focus acknowledges the potentially anti-feminist angle of critiquing women's choices but places it within the framework of the administration’s extreme political moves.

The discussion originally featured in the Today, Explained newsletter, stressing the importance of viewing both the policies and their aesthetic representations as interconnected elements worthy of scrutiny.