Trump Women's Magazine Style: Fashion Takes a Political Turn
Aesthetics as Political Statement: The "MAGA Look" Among Trump's Circle
Washington, D.C. - Women who associate with U.S. President Donald Trump have garnered attention for a distinctive appearance, characterized by sun-kissed complexions, striking makeup, and a uniform style that has earned nicknames such as the "Mar-a-Lago Face" or "Maga Look."
The look, while perceived as mere taste, carries a political connotation in Trump's orbit. The engagement with their physical appearance transcends stylistic critique; it is a deliberate political statement.
Key figures such as Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, daughter-in-law Lara Trump, and designated US Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, all of whom have undergone significant transformations in appearance, typify this style. Historian Kristin Kobes Du Mez suggests that this image aligns closely with the ideals of certain patriarchal, evangelical circles that have gained prominence during Trump's second term. This movement combines a strict interpretative stance on Christian faith with a nationalist vision for America.
Prominent misogyny characterizes the extremist factions of this community, who demand the restriction of women's rights, including the revocation of their voting privileges and limiting them to their roles as mothers. Yet, they allow room for women in leadership positions, provided they adhere to specific conditions. Femininity is vigorously defined through external presentation and political loyalty as a counterbalance to publicly demonstrated male assertiveness.
Women in Trump's administration therefore present themselves through cosmetics, surgery, and deliberate feminine clothing as poster girls for the system. A visible cross necklace is often part of the package. The historically female-dominated "Ms. Magazine" recently summed it up: a pro-Trump woman, dressed in a sleek dress with a high slit and stilettos, might stand against transgender rights, but she qualifies as a "real" woman according to conservative and Trumpist standards.
The notion of a "real" woman in the MAGA framework represents confidently defending traditional gender roles and gaining visibility in the world of social media. Trump's wife Melania stands for a more classical and less extreme version of this style, further reinforcing the notion of femininity tied to elegance, tradition, and political symbolism.
Susie Wiles, Trump's chief of staff, offers a contrast to this social media-centric style. She opts for a more subtle, professional appearance, preferring a background role over public spectacle. Wiles wields power quietly, operating from the White House rather than Trump's preferred networks such as Fox News or social media platforms like X and TikTok.
The remaining members of Trump's team, both male and female, strive for maximum attention and social media reach, largely driven by the MAGA politicians' recognizability to outsiders. Trump himself seems to favor this approach, recently commenting, "We've made the presidency hot."
References
[1] The New York Times. (N.D.). The classic beauty pageant look has a new home: Trump world. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/01/style/trump-make-up-politics.html
[2] NPR. (2020, March 2). How the 'Make America Great Again' movement adopted a specific look, from the face to the clothes. Retrieved from https://www.npr.org/2020/03/02/811100980/how-the-make-america-great-again-movement-adopted-a-specific-look-from-the-face-to-t
- In the context of Trump's circle, the 'Maga Look' isn't just about aesthetics; it's a statement of political alignment, often associated with women in prominent positions who adopt a specific style.
- The 'Maga Look' in women's health and wellness discussions is a topic of interest, as it presents a unique blend of beauty standards and conservative ideologies, notably in the realm of women's health and rights.
- The 'Maga Look' in mainstream science and general news discussions revolves around understanding the psychological and socio-political implications of such a distinct appearance in the Trump administration.
