Numerous online commentators speculated about the motivation behind Donald Trump‘s newly slicked-back mullet, debating whether it was the result of a recent haircut or a change in his styling approach. Trump’s hair, often the subject of both intrigue and ridicule, took center stage once again.
The President-elect, 78, ignited social media when he revealed his polished new appearance. A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) last week highlighted Trump’s updated hairstyle as he addressed a news conference at his Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Donald Trump Steps Out With A New Slicked-Back Hairstyle As Fans React
After a screenshot appeared on Instagram, one user wrote: "Well, I must admit he looked better before," as someone else commented: "New year, new hairdo?" Another user wrote: "horrifying" as one other replied: "still unattractive." An additional commenter thought: "That is hat hair!!"
The change from Trump's iconic hairstyle might represent a significant transformation to mark a fresh phase of his leadership. Alternatively, it could just be a tactic to attract notice.
The updated style, characterized by shorter, slicked-back sides and a longer back, has led psychologists, political branding experts, and hairstylists to speculate about its possible implications, as reported by Newsweek.
Your next President, President-Elect Donald J Trump, today at the beautiful Trump International Golf Club Palm Beach!! TRUMP-VANCE 2024! #MAGA #donaldtrump #trump2024 #palmbeach #florida @realdonaldtrump @teamtrump @trumpwarroom @trumpgolfpalmbeach @trumpgolf @whitehouse45 :… pic.twitter.com/B4asbHZoJ0
— Michael Solakiewicz (@michaelsolakie) December 18, 2024
Experts Weigh In On Donald Trump's Recent Hair Transformation
Johanna Maska, who once served as an aide to President Barack Obama, noted that hairstyles invariably draw a great deal of interest. She told the outlet: "President Trump especially has gotten a lot of attention for his hair, even before the cut." She went on: "If he's trying for a fresh start—new look, new you?—I hope for him and for the U.S. that it works. Time will tell."
Greg Linnelli, an account strategist at Otter Public Relations, told Newsweek that well-known public figures might change their image for a variety of reasons. He explained: "While President Trump and his lettuce have been a packaged deal over the years, it won't change people's view of him much." Linnelli thinks the change might lead to a wave of criticism from those who oppose the president-elect.
"One thing to keep in mind with President Trump is that he's a master at self-branding and marketing. This might be another one of those instances where he gets people talking about him based on his actions," he continued. Dr. Reneé Carr, a psychologist and political adviser, provided her assessment on how the new hairstyle could convey authority and control.
She dished to the publication: "His haircut is most likely motivated because of thinning and wanting to appear as if he has more volume—and therefore appearing younger. It's also interesting that he chose a military-type cut."
Meanwhile, Jean Marc Durante, co-owner and hairstylist at Red Market Salon in Miami, offered a more skeptical perspective, suggesting that the style seems to be an experimental phase.
He explained to Newsweek: "From these photos and videos, it's hard to tell whether Trump cut his hair or slicked it back with more product than before." Durante also suggested that Trump might appear younger by dyeing his hair a darker shade.
He noted: "It looks like a joke; almost as if he's doing this to get us to talk about it and gain media attention. This look doesn't suit him and is not his style at all—it makes him appear older, like a 1950s rock star, such as Elvis Presley."
