Who wears the MAGA hat best? Icons and controversies explored

It began innocently enough—Donald Trump needed something to capture voters' attention, leading to an unusual idea: a red hat with the slogan "Make America Great Again." Initially, it was just a baseball cap, but it quickly evolved into a political symbol, promising a return to "greatness" and becoming a must-have not only for Trump but also for those looking to cultivate their image on this fashionable (or controversial) wave. And as is well-known, wherever there's a hat, controversies often follow.

Unsurprisingly, Trump, more than anyone, embodies the idea of "MAGA." Since 2016, this red cap has become almost like his calling card. It seems this simple baseball cap suits him best, as if designed specifically for his signature tousled hair.

Elon Musk entered the MAGA world with full vigor, wearing it at a Trump rally but with a gothic font style, a version some have dubbed "dark MAGA," which immediately sparked controversy. Critics noted the font's resemblance to blackletter style, historically associated with Nazi symbolism, thereby adding to the confusion surrounding this gesture.

"Dark MAGA" became a term popularized by some Trump supporters promoting an extreme version of the idea. In Musk's case, wearing a cap in this style, many critics speculated that while the design choice might have been unintentional, it sent a powerful and unsettling signal.

Even though Musk's political decisions are often ambiguous, the hat emerged as a symbol of his support for certain Trump ideas, particularly on freedom of speech. It sparked considerable controversy, given the diverse political views of his followers.

Kanye West ran for president of the United States in 2020. His campaign was unconventional and informal, with his candidacy announced shortly before the elections. His participation was primarily a symbol of controversial stance, and he was not seen as a serious rival to leading candidates like Donald Trump and Joe Biden.

Interestingly, Ye had previously publicly supported Trump, sporting the MAGA hat at meetings and even in the White House, which elicited strong reactions from fans and the media. His goal—to steer the political conversation toward a more "right-wing" tone—ensured that every appearance with the hat generated a wave of comments.

Lil Pump, an American rapper, also embraced the MAGA club. He appeared at a Trump rally during the 2020 elections, where he announced his support on stage. This moment surprised many of his fans, especially since his onstage persona had not previously indicated an interest in politics. Lil Pump exemplifies someone who wears MAGA without hesitation or reservation, and his performance at the Trump rally remains one of the more memorable moments of that campaign.

With Ye and Lil Pump in the mix, MAGA becomes not just a symbol of support for Trump but also a fashion statement on the political scene.

A popular streamer, Adin Ross, was also seen wearing a MAGA hat. His participation in a live stream with Donald Trump marked one of the most high-profile moments of his career. While his fanbase was divided, with some accusing him of attempting to "exploit" politics for greater reach, his public appearance in the MAGA hat was certainly attention-grabbing.

Known for poker tournaments and eccentric appearances, Bryce Hall and Jake Paul also donned red caps. Hall wore him at various events, signalling, perhaps, not so much a political stance as a desire to make a splash—why not?

Jake Paul, on the other hand, drew attention by wearing a modified version reading "Make Boxing Great Again." Notably, he is set to face off in the ring with Mike Tyson soon.