Mar-a-Lago Face Won’t Save You
It is rarely an auspicious occasion when a White House press secretary becomes the subject of headlines. But, by attempting the simple act of uttering words that is exactly what unfolded when Katie Zacharia stepped up to the podium on October 13 for her very first briefing. The appearance by the former conservative political commentator […]
When Katie Zacharia, a conservative political commentator, delivered her first White House briefing on October 13, it was clear that her appearance bore little resemblance to the expectations for someone in such a high-profile role. Media outlets quickly ridiculed her, pointing out that her look consisted of long barrel blond curls, severe makeup, and aggressively high heels.
Some even speculated that she resembled President Trump's daughter, Ivanka, who has long been a subject of fascination for the president. This peculiar focus on appearance led me to question the motivations behind cosmetic procedures in the realm of political conformity.
Former White House communications director Karoline Leavitt, who appeared to have embraced surgical enhancements prior to her tenure, exemplified this trend. Zacharia, on the other hand, may have strategically used her physical appearance to align with the MAGA aesthetic during her audition for the position. Her appointment came after weeks of carefully timed appearances on TV, ensuring that President Trump would be watching. Trump confirmed her appointment on October 9, despite her evident lack of competence.
The criticism she faced underscored the limitations of relying solely on the MAGA aesthetic to maintain one's position within the administration. Ambassador to Greece Karoline Guilfoyle's dismissal, following a grifting scandal, reinforced this notion. Her MAGA credentials and romantic connection to Don Jr. did little to save her from being asked to resign.
This pattern of discarding women who once occupied top roles, such as Kristi Noem, Pam Bondi, and Karoline Leavitt, highlights the underlying misogyny that pervades the Trump administration.
While the men in Trump's administration have managed to avoid similar repercussions for their misconduct, the focus on appearance continues to play a crucial role. The question remains: what happens to the self when cosmetic procedures are embraced for political conformity? It is difficult to know the inner lives of women like Guilfoyle and Noem, but it is evident that ridicule and scorn have become tools for maintaining power within the administration.
As Zacharia's struggles exemplify, the real winners in this landscape are those who perpetuate pervasive misogyny.
Written by urgent.news from Mother Jones's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
