Vice President J.D. Vance on Trump’s Dress Code Rules

Vice President J.D. Vance recently shed light on President Donald Trump’s stringent guidelines regarding his Cabinet, particularly when it comes to dress codes.

During an appearance on “Hangout with Sean Hannity”, Vance discussed how Trump’s preference for traditional attire, including a strong aversion to brown shoes, stems from his view that public officials should show respect for the institutions they represent.

“The president believes in respecting the place and the office, and part of that is dressing like an ordinary person,” Vance noted in the Thursday episode. “That might sound a bit old-fashioned.”

Vance emphasized that Trump expects his team to maintain a professional appearance, a stark contrast to many contemporary politicians’ styles.

He outlined some specific rules, mentioning how, according to Trump, formal dress typically includes a navy suit, black shoes, and a tight tie.

“He always does. Always in a navy suit. Almost always in a tight tie. His shoes are always black,” Vance remarked. “If someone in the Cabinet wore brown shoes, he would definitely let them know.”

Earlier this year, Trump acknowledged in an interview that he sometimes buys new shoes for those he deems underdressed, sharing, “When they say they have a problem, I say, ‘Let’s buy you some shoes.'” This was during his conversation with Brian Kilmeade in March.

Vance recalled instances where the president commented on the attire of other officials, including a notable moment involving Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. During an Oval Office meeting, a reporter queried Zelenskiy about his choice of attire, which was less formal than expected.

In follow-up meetings in August, Zelenskiy donned more traditional clothing than his usual military uniform. After a reporter complimented him on his suit, Trump chimed in, admitting he had said the same earlier. “That was not a good moment for him,” Vance reflected, referring to the uncomfortable interaction. “Interestingly enough, we were able to mend our relationship after that.”

Additionally, Vance recounted an occasion during the 2024 campaign at a 9/11 memorial, where Trump commented on his son Don Jr.’s outfit. “As they read the names, the president turned to Don Jr. and remarked on his wide collar, saying, ‘Oh, that’s a pretty wide collar, Don,'” Vance remembered. “It was clear it was a bargain look. That’s why I’ve always opted for navy suits, black shoes, and traditional collars.”