Gabby Miller | Head Editor & Evan Potwora | Opinion Editor
September 12, 2025
In a competitive, divided world, pressure among politicians to keep up with a popular, youthful look has arisen. As our nation enters a more conservative era, gender norms are becoming stricter and more appealing to some voters. Seeking high prestige, politicians are caught going to extreme lengths to keep up with the beauty standards in Washington D.C. From plastic surgery, to hair treatment, or even weight loss drugs, politicians are willing to spend any amount necessary to appear more youthful and beautiful in order to appeal to the world.
A part of these conservative beauty norms are men having more masculine facial features that “show” power, prestige, and strength. One of the features recently sought after is jawlines. The appeal is that a stronger jawline can make you look younger and stronger, something that male politicians on both sides of the aisle are looking for. As explained by Joanna Weiss, from Politico, “When your job is to be an attack dog, you probably want to look more like a Rottweiler and less like a Shih Tzu.”
Under this time of political polarity, looking more dominant and masculine to political opposition and voters can make all the difference. An example of this jawline surgery, as well as many other procedures, is shown through Matt Gaetz, a former Florida Congressman who resigned last year. In contrast, Vice President JD Vance has enhanced his appearance without surgery, growing a beard in order, according to GQ Magazine, to “compensate for a round face.”
Another large movement within Washington is weight loss, whether done naturally or unnaturally. Illinois Governor, JB Pritzker, has been rumored to be planning a run for president in 2028. Recently, he has been in the spotlight for resisting President Trump’s use of ICE within the city of Chicago. Pritzker has claimed to be going on morning outdoor walks or running on the treadmill, aiming for a better physique, even if he does or does not take on a bid for the presidential race. On the other hand, some politicians have lost weight in some unnatural ways. For example, former Congressmen (until his expellment in 2023) George Santos of Florida used Ozempic ahead of his trial. According to his exclusive statement to Page Six, he blamed the stress from his accusations of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. Santos was also found for using campaign money on Botox and designer clothing.
Not only have men given into the pressure of the intense political beauty standards, but so have women. Among female politicians, many have increasingly fallen subject to plastic surgery in order to appear more youthful and feminine. United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem is a prime example of how intense these beauty standards have become. Though it has never been directly confirmed, Noem’s face has drastically changed over the years with speculations of Botox and lip filler. Even plastic surgeons themselves have speculated about a mini face lift. Popular televised comedic cartoon, South Park depicted Noem with a melted, droopy face in episode “Got a Nut.” In the episode, Noem is shown filming a video for ICE recruiters, where her beauty team dolls her up with makeup, bringing life back into her face. This episode illustrates how politicians feel increasingly pressured to constantly look their best and conform to the harsh standards society has set, rather than caring about the messages the are giving. Senior Ashlyn Heller added how “it is sad that the appearance of women in politics seems to be more important than their actual political views.”
Furthermore, African-American, female politicians have expressed their concerns with embracing their “natural” beauty, specifically, their hair. Former First Lady Michelle Obama kept her hair straight for all 8 years she served as First Lady. When interviewed about her hair, Obama expressed concerns on how America just was “not ready for [braids or natural hair].” Obama’s concerns further show how society’s beauty standards are unrealistic, driving politicians to spend more and more on their beauty “upkeep.” Obama is not alone, as former Vice President of the United States and former Democratic Presidential Candidate, Kamala Harris, has been known for her classy silk press. However, Harris gets a silk press because she simply “wanted to make [her hair] a little bit more manageable.” Though this came from Harris herself, many still speculate that she does this because it falls under Washington’s beauty standards of having neat and straight hair.
On the other hand, some politicians have been going against this standard, creating a unique style or not falling to the norms. For example, Representative Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut fashions short hair with purple streaks, unique scarves, glasses, and jewelry. Additionally, Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont often wears his hair messy and unbrushed, going against the often perfect expectation of politicians. Lastly, Vogue Magazine reports Second Lady Usha Vance stunned the Republican National Convention with a “long, raven bob [that] has visible streaks of gray.” Despite being in such a large spotlight, Vance’s hair not only goes against the average “republican blowout,” but also shows off her age maintaining gray hair, even throughout her husband’s term.
It is unfortunate that we as a society have gotten to a point where we appreciate beauty over beliefs. No matter which side of the political spectrum you are on, it is clear that these beauty standards need to be changed. Politicians should not feel the pressure to spend thousands of dollars buying weight loss drugs, filler, or getting their hair done, just to conform to society. Junior Addy Carey felt that, “it all goes back to being more likable and appealing as we become more judgmental within our nation.” We should work towards embracing natural beauty and not targeting people for their looks. It is okay to disagree with someone and their beliefs, but attacking their looks is never the answer. In a time where our world is so divided, it is important we are accepting of one another and not pressuring people to change their appearance.
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