In a dramatic turn of events, the Republican National Convention (RNC) has seen an unexpected fashion statement sweeping through its attendees: ear bandages. This new trend emerged following an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump, who is set to deliver a pivotal speech at the RNC in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The incident occurred during a rally in Pennsylvania last weekend when a shooter, identified as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired a bullet that grazed Trump’s right ear. The attack tragically claimed the life of one attendee, critically injured two others, and ended with Crooks being fatally shot by a Secret Service sniper. Despite the chaos, Trump remained undeterred and has been seen wearing a white rectangular bandage over his right ear since the incident.
This simple piece of medical dressing has quickly transformed into a powerful symbol among Trump supporters. Many have been spotted sporting their own versions of the bandage at the RNC, from white fabrics and cotton pads to folded pieces of paper, as a show of solidarity with the former president.
Joe Neglia, a delegate from Arizona, described the bandage as “the newest fashion trend” and predicted its widespread adoption. Speaking to CBS News, Neglia expressed his motivation: “Yesterday when he came in, and there was that eruption of love in the room, I thought, what can I do to honor the truth? What can I possibly do? And then I saw the bandage and I thought, I can do that. So, I put it on simply to honor Trump and to express sympathy with him and unity with him.” He further emphasized the symbolic nature of the bandage, stating, “There’s a male version and a female version… because there are only two genders.”
Ray Michaels, another Arizona delegate, echoed this sentiment in an interview with AP, highlighting the shared grief and support among Trump’s followers: “We realized that this was a tragedy that should never have happened, and we want [Trump] to know that we are going through this with him.”
Adding another layer to this gesture, Texas delegate Jackson Carpenter told the Washington Post, “We need a symbol about political violence not being acceptable in America.” This sentiment underscores the broader political implications and the collective desire to take a stand against such acts of violence.
The bandage trend, however, has not been without its critics. Social media buzzed with reactions, particularly after actor Mark Hamill posted a comment on X, mockingly noting the “ludicrously oversized ear bandage.” The backlash was swift, demonstrating the deep divides in public opinion.
Even the world of entertainment felt the impact. Comedy rock band Tenacious D canceled their tour following controversial remarks by band member Kyle Gass. Meanwhile, late-night comedy shows like The Daily Show adjusted their programming, with hosts delivering somber monologues instead of their usual political satire.
Reflecting on the fine line between humor and sensitivity, comedian Alonzo Bodden remarked, “It’s never too soon, unless it’s not funny.” He noted the resilience of comedians in finding humor in any situation, adding, “In this case, Donald Trump is such a character and the fact that he wasn’t killed, the jokes started immediately. And I don’t think he minds. He’s one of those people that as long as you’re talking about him, it’s a gain.”