If you saw the flashes of black and gold during the 2025 inauguration festivities, or maybe caught that viral clip from the Kennedy Center Honors in December, you might've wondered if Donald Trump finally ditched his signature "red tie and navy suit" uniform for something a bit more... flashy. Honestly, it’s about time. For decades, the guy has been a walking billboard for 1980s power dressing—broad shoulders, long ties, and that specific shade of blue that screams "middle-of-the-road politician." But lately, there’s been a shift.
Trump wearing black and gold isn't just a random fashion choice. It’s a branding pivot that’s been years in the making.
We aren't just talking about a tie change here. We are talking about a full-on aesthetic overhaul that bridges the gap between the billionaire real estate mogul of 1988 and the 47th President of 2026. If you’ve looked at the "Trump Store" lately, you’ve probably noticed the "Stealth" collection. It’s all black. It’s all gold. It looks less like a campaign and more like a luxury hotel lobby.
The Gold Sneaker Catalyst
It basically all started at Sneaker Con. Remember February 2024? Philadelphia was cold, the room was loud, and Trump walked out holding a pair of high-tops that looked like they’d been dipped in a vat of 24-karat liquid. The "Never Surrender" sneakers were the first real signal that the campaign was moving away from the "Make America Great Again" red and toward a more "Imperial Gold" vibe.
Those shoes were $399. People paid $9,000 for signed ones. Why? Because they weren't just shoes; they were the first piece of "lifestyle" merch that felt like it belonged in a penthouse rather than a rally in a cornfield. The black and gold palette started appearing on hats, then on the "Victory47" cologne bottles, and eventually, it started showing up on the man himself.
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Why the shift matters
Fashion experts—the ones who actually pay attention to the psychology of it—will tell you that navy and red are "trust" colors. They are safe. They are what a bank teller wears. But black and gold? That’s "power" and "luxury." In the world of Trump 2.0, the goal isn't just to be the President; it's to be the ultimate brand.
By the time the 2025 inauguration rolled around, the "black and gold" aesthetic was everywhere. Melania was seen in sharp, architectural black-and-white pieces, but the "Gold Room" vibes of the private parties were undeniable. The official merch shifted to "Ultra Dark MAGA" and "Black & Gold Stealth" hats. It’s a mood. A dark, expensive-looking mood.
Trump Wearing Black and Gold at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors
Just last month, in December 2025, the Trumps made a "royal-style" entrance at the Kennedy Center Honors. This was the big one. While Trump usually sticks to the red tie for public addresses, the gala circuit has seen him leaning into the tuxedo look with much more frequency.
People on TikTok were losing it. The lighting in the Kennedy Center foyer caught the gold accents in the room, and suddenly, the "Trump wearing black and gold" search term spiked again. It wasn’t a gold suit—thankfully—but the combination of the black tuxedo and the warm, gilded environment of the event solidified the look. It’s about the aura.
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He’s not trying to look like a neighbor anymore. He’s trying to look like the guy who owns the building.
The White House "Gilding" of 2025
You can't talk about the clothes without talking about the room. In late 2025, Trump shared videos on Truth Social showing off the new look of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. He didn't hold back. We’re talking 24-karat gold wall moldings. Real gold. Not the "bargain store" stuff some critics claimed, according to the White House staff, but actual high-quality leafing.
When he stands in that room, wearing a dark, almost-black navy suit, the gold behind him does the talking. This is what stylists call "environmental fashion." You don't need to wear a gold shirt if the walls are gold. The black-and-gold theme is a total package.
What the critics say
Of course, not everyone is a fan. The Guardian recently described this era as "brutish power dressing." They argue that the shift toward gold and black is a way to signal that "money doesn't whisper—it shouts." It’s a departure from the "Old Money" or "Quiet Luxury" trends that were big in 2023. This is Loud Luxury. It’s meant to be seen from space.
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Practical Insights for the "Stealth" Look
If you’re looking to incorporate this vibe without looking like you’re headed to a 1920s Gatsby party, there are ways to do it. The "Trump Store" actually has a "Black & Gold" snapback that’s become their most popular item. It’s subtle. It uses a matte black fabric with high-density gold embroidery.
- Stick to Matte Black: If you go shiny on both colors, you’ll look like a chocolate wrapper. Keep the black fabric flat.
- Gold as an Accent: A watch, a lapel pin, or the logo on a hat. That’s all you need.
- Context is Everything: This look works for evening events or "power" meetings. It’s probably a bit much for a Sunday brunch.
Trump wearing black and gold is more than a wardrobe change; it’s a statement of intent for his second term. It’s about looking "un-mess-with-able." Whether you love the look or think it’s a bit much, you can’t deny it’s a cohesive brand strategy that’s working for his base.
Next Step for You:
Check out the latest "Stealth" collection on the official Trump Store website to see how they've integrated the black and gold colorway into their 2026 lineup. If you're interested in the history of presidential style, compare these choices to the official 2017 portraits to see just how much the "visual language" of the presidency has changed over the last decade.