The trend known as the “Mar-a-Lago face” has gained traction among certain members of the MAGA elite, particularly those associated with former President Donald Trump. This trend leans into bold, even gaudy aesthetics and a hard-edged look that some say is a direct expression of the preferences of Trump, personally. According to one report, Trump’s biggest worry about his staff is how they look on television. This sheds light on the overwhelming importance of physical appearance in our current cultural climate.
In recent years, Trump has been praised or criticized, depending on who you ask, for encouraging a certain aesthetic among his female and male staff. Concerns about sexual harassment leveled against him. An Axios report from 2017 showed he had very specific ideas about how his female staffers should dress and conduct themselves. This pressuring to conform for physical appearance extends to male staff members as well. To the surprise of no one, Trump apparently insists that they conform to a certain aesthetic. As noted above, a cadre of people close to Trump have adopted these colors in their own right. Laura Loomer, Kristi Noem, and Matt Gaetz are among the more notable figures leading this charge.
Surgeons have reportedly seen an unbelievable increase in male patients. They’re looking for procedures that promote more pronounced jawlines and other traits often associated with masculinity. This increase in demand betrays a larger trend that aligns with traditional gender norms, particularly in periods of increased cultural conservatism. As one New York dermatologist noted, during periods like this, fashion always seems to revert back to classic gender norms. That being one of the main reasons why the new Mar-a-Lago face has caught on with Trump’s die-hards.
Curiously, though, Loomer, Noem, and Gaetz all seem to have embraced an over-the-top aesthetic that many have compared to AI-generated cartoon characters. Whether intentional or not, this subpar attempt at graphic design indicates a strong adherence to the new visual norm established by Trump and his people. The trend has gotten increasingly more radical year over year, deepening its connection with the MAGA insurrection.
The Mar-a-Lago face trend comes to a boil in political circles. It symbolizes broader societal themes regarding the relationship between appearance, status, and identity. This new reality dazzled scientists on a recent trip to Zambia. From there, they observed a troop of chimpanzees taking part in unusual fashion activities, such as putting grass in their ears and sticks on their bodies. One culturally challenging chimp might have started this movement, showing how quickly trends can spread between species. This points to a deep-seated, almost prehistoric desire for self-promotion.