KQED's Forum What’s Behind President Trump’s Aesthetic?
Dec 11, 2025
Naftali Bendavid, a senior national political correspondent at The Washington Post, and Jessica Winninger, an anthropology professor at Northwestern University, dive into the opulent aesthetic of Trump's presidency. They discuss the planned gold ballroom and the changes in architectural norms, comparing Trump’s style to historical authoritarian aesthetics. Winninger explains how this spectacle appeals to supporters and serves as a political tool. They highlight the risks of cultivating a cult-like following through extravagant visuals and the potential legacy of these choices.
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Norms Replaced By Executive Will
- Trump is pushing grand architectural projects and proceeding with demolition before formal approvals are complete.
- Naftali Bendavid says many legal steps were treated as norms that a determined president can bypass.
Aesthetic As Extension Of Power
- Trump's visual choices push grandeur over presidential restraint and extend his broader expansion of executive power.
- Naftali Bendavid links ostentatious aesthetics to a pattern of asserting authority across policy and symbolism.
Nouveau Riche Symbolism
- The aesthetic aligns with authoritarian and nouveau riche visual languages that signal power and aspiration.
- Jessica Winninger notes the style resonates with supporters who see it as accessible and aspirational.