Who wears the MAGA hat: Fashion or political statement?
As the U.S. and the world anticipate the potential return of Donald Trump to the White House, the symbols of his campaign take on a new dimension—especially the iconic red MAGA (Make America Great Again) hats. Various personalities, from celebrities to tech moguls, wear them with seriousness, irony, or provocation. So, who wears the MAGA hat best?
6 November 2024 17:36
It all began quite simply—Donald Trump needed something to capture voters' attention, so he came up with a unique idea: a red hat emblazoned with "Make America Great Again." Initially, it was just a baseball cap. However, it quickly evolved into a political symbol, promising a return to "greatness" and becoming a must-have not only for Trump but also for those wanting to build their image around this stylish (or controversial) wave. And as we know, where there’s a hat, there are controversies.
Donald Trump - the creator of the MAGA hat
Unsurprisingly, Trump, like no other, personifies the "MAGA" concept. Since 2016, this red cap has become almost his signature look. It seems that this simple baseball cap suits him best, as if it were made specifically for his iconic hair.
Elon Musk - dark MAGA
Elon Musk ventured into the MAGA world with full flair, wearing it at a Trump rally in a gothic font style resembling "dark MAGA," which instantly stirred controversy. Critics noted that the font, reminiscent of the blackletter style, was linked to symbolism used by the Nazis, adding to the confusion surrounding this gesture.
"Dark MAGA" became a term after some Trump supporters started promoting an extreme version of the idea. In Musk's case, appearing in a hat of this style led many critics to suggest that the design choice, while perhaps unintended, was a powerful and unsettling signal.
Even though Musk's political decisions have been often ambiguous, the hat symbolized his support for some of Trump's ideas, particularly regarding freedom of speech. This sparked considerable controversy, given the diverse political views of his fans.
Kanye West - the would-be US president
Kanye West ran for the U.S. presidency in 2020. His campaign was unconventional and informal, with an announcement shortly before the elections. His participation mainly symbolized a controversial stance, as he wasn't perceived as a serious contender against major candidates like Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
Interestingly, Ye previously showed public support for Trump, wearing MAGA at meetings and in the White House, prompting strong reactions from fans and the media. His aim to shift the political debate towards a more "right-wing" tone meant every appearance with this hat generated a wave of comments.
Lil Pump - rapper at rallies
Lil Pump, an American rapper, also joined the MAGA club, appearing at a Trump rally during the 2020 elections to announce his support on stage. This moment surprised many fans, especially as his stage persona hadn't previously suggested political interest. Lil Pump exemplifies someone who wears MAGA without hesitation and with full awareness. His performance at the Trump rally remains one of the more memorable moments of that campaign.
With Ye and Lil Pump in the mix, MAGA becomes not just a symbol of support for Trump but perhaps even more—a fashion statement on the political stage.
Adin Ross - live stream with Trump
Adin Ross, a popular streamer, was also seen sporting a MAGA hat. His participation in a live stream with Donald Trump was undoubtedly a significant moment in his career. Although his fans were divided, and some accused him of trying to "exploit" politics to increase his reach, his public appearance in a MAGA hat certainly didn't go unnoticed.
Bryce Hall and Jake Paul - poker and boxing MAGA
Known for poker tournaments and eccentric appearances, Bryce Hall and Jake Paul also donned the red caps. Hall sported it at various events, indicating not so much a political belief as a desire to make a statement—why not?
Meanwhile, Jake Paul attracted attention by wearing a modified version reading "Make Boxing Great Again." It's worth noting that he is soon set to face Mike Tyson in the ring.
There's no denying the MAGA hat has become a symbol that elicits various emotions. Some who wore it may not have anticipated the extent of mixed feelings it would provoke. With Szafarowicz leading the way in trying to blend hip-hop with politics, we witness more of a fashion faux-pas than a political declaration.