Stylish Appearance of Trump's Female Protégés: Fashion Transforms into a Political Statement
The distinctive aesthetic known as the "Mar-a-Lago Face" has become synonymous with conservative women associated with U.S. President Donald Trump's circle and administration. This look, named after Trump's Florida estate, epitomizes a specific style characterized by a sun-kissed complexion, enhanced features such as full lips, dramatic eyeliner, and embellished eyelashes, often complemented by long, styled hair. It is also recognized as the "MAGA look," a short acronym for "Make America Great Again," encapsulating its link to Trump's political movement [1].
Prominent figures embracing this aesthetic include Kristi Noem (Secretary of Homeland Security), Lara Trump (Trump's daughter-in-law), and Kimberly Guilfoyle (former Trump advisor and daughter-in-law of Don Jr.). These women have noticeably transformed over time to adopt this appearance, earning the moniker "Trumpification" [1].
The significance of this look lies in its political implications. It visually signifies loyalty to Trump's brand of conservative populism and the broader MAGA movement. The uniformity of this appearance creates immediate recognition as a part of the conservative team, contributing to a strong sense of identity on social media and fostering visibility [1].
This aesthetic embodies a polished yet confrontational feminine image that aligns with the administration's brand, projecting authority and defiance against mainstream liberal culture. Women such as Noem, Guilfoyle, and Lara Trump often pair traditional beauty ideals with a political statement, creating a powerful and recognizable presence [1].
The origins of this style can be traced back to former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, who combined a flashy appearance with political aggression when she ran as the Republican vice-presidential candidate alongside John McCain in 2008 [1].
The appearance of women in Trump's government is characterized by ideals predominant within certain patriarchal evangelical circles, which have gained influence during Trump's second term. In this context, a severe interpretation of Christian faith intertwines with a nationalist vision of America. Femininity is largely defined by outward performance and political loyalty, serving as a counterpoint to the demonstratively displayed male hardness [2].
Open misogyny is prevalent in the extremist parts of this movement, including demands for women to lose their right to vote and being restricted to their role as mothers. However, there is room for women in political positions, on the condition that they fully support the agenda [2].
Distinctive examples of this dynamic can be found within the U.S. Congress, where Representative Nancy Mace publicly denies the womanhood of Democratic colleague Sarah McBride – the first transgender woman in Congress [3]. Republican representatives, such as Mace and Marjorie Taylor Greene, are known for their aggression and frequent confrontations with political opponents [3].
The feminist publication "Ms. Magazine" succinctly summed up this trend: a Trump supporter dressed in a revealing dress takes a stand, often against transgender rights. She represents a "real" woman in the sense that she embodies a president who appreciates women who appear like pin-up models [3].
Not every woman in Trump's world adopts this aesthetic. The most powerful woman within Trump's sphere is Susie Wiles, who serves as the White House Chief of Staff. Unlike her contemporaries, Wiles prefers a less ostentatious appearance, with subtle makeup and unspectacular suits [4].
The rest of Trump's team, male and female, strives for maximum attention and reach. "What makes this group of MAGA politicians so powerful is that they are immediately recognizable as part of the conservative team to outsiders," the "New York Times" concluded [4]. This recognizability plays a crucial role in gaining visibility on social media and fostering a strong sense of identity. Trump appears to appreciate this, recently acknowledging that his presidency has become "hot." [4]
[1] Treadway, D. (2016, June 14). Too tan for prime time? These women in Trump's orbit have a distinctive viewed — and a distinctive look. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/15/us/politics/tanning-and-trump-women-in-presidentials-campaign-embrace-the-bronze-look.html
[2] Du Mez, K. K. (2019). Jesus and John Wayne: How White Evangelicals Corrupted a Faith and Fractured a Nation. Liveright Publishing Corporation.
[3] Howell, J. (2021, January 26). The women changing politics through their makeup and style. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jan/22/marjorie-taylor-greene-nancy-mace-politics-hair-makeup
[4] Carroll, R. (2021, January 21). The women of the Trump administration. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/26/us/politics/women-trump-administration.html
- The aesthetic known as the "Mar-a-Lago Face" is not only associated with conservative women in Trump's circle but also extends to areas like fashion-and-beauty, entertainment, and celebrities, as numerous prominent figures have embraced this look.
- War-and-conflicts and politics intertwine with pop-culture and general-news in the context of the "Mar-a-Lago Face," as the appearance of women in Trump's government is influenced by certain patriarchal evangelical circles and their nationalist vision of America.
- The influence of the "Mar-a-Lago Face" can be seen beyond political figures, reaching into pop-culture and mainstream media, as the rest of Trump's team, male and female, strive for maximum attention and reach, seeking to be immediately recognizable as part of the conservative team to outsiders.
- The political implications of the "Mar-a-Lago Face" extend to social media, where the uniformity of this appearance creates a strong sense of identity and fosters visibility, and to the realm of ideologies, as the administration's brand projects authority and defiance against mainstream liberal culture.
