The New York Attorney General’s Office has finished presenting its case to the civil fraud trial of former President Donald J. Trump. The first act of the first episode of the long-running series known as The Trump Trial has concluded. (The defense begins next week, and four other criminal cases are on hold.) The show, however, is only just beginning.
Mr. Trump is, after all, a man who has always viewed the presidency as perhaps the ultimate expression of reality television. This step may not be of his choosing, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an opportunity, especially since his three adult children from his first marriage were also there, playing their usual roles. Even the costumes.
Welcome to the new season of the Trump family trial style. This implies a somewhat different look for the brand – one that is notably… well, blue.
This week’s guest star was Ivanka Trump, who is reluctantly returning to the spotlight after announcing on Instagram last year that she was retiring from politics. She was front and center in this week’s final scene, flying from her home in Florida, emerging from the bowels of a black town car to make her entrance in a navy wool coat and navy pantsuit, a black leather tote clutched in one hand, a small pair of pearl studs in her ears and with her blonde hair falling in soft waves around her face, the picture of gentle, professionalism and goodwill. reunited.
This has always been his role in the White House family drama: the rational actor, there to show restraint to his father, more explosive and more actionist.
That Trump had spoke earlier in the week, in a navy blue suit, a very long bright blue tie and a small flag pin. Not exactly his usual MAGA uniform of red (tie), white (shirt), and blue (suit), but a variation on the theme, perhaps in recognition of the fact that the site was not the election campaign, never mind how much he uses his legal problems. to rally his troops. Furthermore, his pugilist expression, made famous by his Georgia mug shot then plastered on the countryside merchandisewas fully present during his testimony, even if no one else saw red.
And her costume set the tone for her children, who all coordinated in matching navy blue for their own time on the stand, an implicit display of family unity before the words were spoken. How do we know they are on the same wavelength?
Just look at Mr. Trump’s sons and co-defendants, Donald Jr. and Eric, who both testified the week before their father and sister, and who were both dressed like the perfect supporting cast, complete with Ties and matching pastel shirts. Specifically, a pink tie and a light blue shirt for Donald Jr. on the first day of his testimony and a light blue tie and a powder pink shirt on day 2, a light blue tie and a white shirt for Eric, colors that would complement rather than compete. with, the primary nuances of their father. Both wore matching brown lace-up shoes and carefully landscaped matching facial foliage.
Both, like their father (and sister), have eschewed the bright red that has become Trump’s signature color and, for that matter, any overt displays of wealth through accessories — a wise choice for a family that delights in the finery of the “Dynasty”. » And most likely calculated for a trial in which the judge has already found that Mr. Trump inflated his net worth, and the question is simply how much of this scam was a conscious fraud.
The daily mailthe British newspaper which enjoys evaluating Ivanka Trump’s outfits, declared that her coat was by Carolina Herrera (when questioned, the brand could not confirm it), her “executive tote” by Chanel, her pumps by Jimmy Choo and his Trina costume. Turk, but there were few visible marks on his clothing, little to suggest that it was anything other than an outfit intended for cooperation rather than combat.
Even her choice of hairstyle – a departure from her last public appearance, at Kim Kardashian’s birthday partywhen she opted for ironed straight locks and a crop top and sequined skirt, created an impression of seriousness and mainstream relatability.
Why is this important? These trials are already making history. No former president has been indicted while simultaneously running for office. No videotaping is permitted while the case is pending, meaning much of the visual drama is captured by stills of the main characters as they enter the courthouse or take their seats in court .
It is these images that will become part of the permanent file. These are images that will seep into our minds, whether we are aware of them or not, and help us form our impressions. And these images are shaped in part by the elements they contain and with which everyone can identify: the clothes. Donald Trump Jr. asked a courtroom cartoonist to “make me sexy.” He was joking. Maybe. Stay tuned.