Replay: Kristi Noem and the MAGA Beauty Aesthetic

About this episode

<p>From done-up hair to heavily applied makeup, conservative women — particularly those in President Trump’s orbit — deploy a specific aesthetic to signify their politics. Women like Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina are exemplars of this beauty trend, showing off a hyperfeminine look that is at odds with how they wield their power.</p><p>In this episode of “The Opinions,” Meher Ahmad, an editor for Times Opinion, and the Opinion writer Jessica Grose discuss why this aesthetic is tailored for social media’s algorithm — and what it’s really selling.</p><p>This episode originally aired May 7, 2025.</p><br/> <p>Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See <a href="https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com</a> for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.</p>