Donald Trump’s tie sends ‘huge signal’ to US citizens, expert claims

A tiny detail in Donald Trump’s outfit has during his second inauguration is far from insignificant, experts have claimed.

It might seem like a small detail, but the colour of Donald Trump’s tie during his second inauguration is far from insignificant, experts have claimed.

The 78-year-old is famed for always wearing a red tie, a colour often associated with power and attention.

But on Monday, the 47th president of the United States switched lanes, opting for a statement tie that was instead a mix of blue and red.

Celebrity stylist Lauren Rothman, a fashion expert who works with both Democrats and Republicans in Washington DC, described Mr Trump’s decision as a “huge signal”.

“It’s really ultimately a mix of red and blue, which creates a purple effect,” Ms Rothman told the BBC.

“(It) kind of signals in my world, I don’t need to scream. I don’t need to project. I have arrived.”

She added that in comparison to the President’s “pretty simple suit”, the tie made a “huge signal that is different”.

Many of the politicians in the crowd, including Joe Biden, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama sported the colour of their respective political parties.

The move sparked speculation the blend of the two political party colours was a “symbol of wanting to bring the country together”.

“Trump wears a tie in his inauguration that has both red and blue in it. This represents the fact that both parties support and voted for him,” one suggested on X.

“Trump right out the gate sending a message ... he represents ALL Americans! He wants EVERYONE to benefit from his Presidency...,” agreed another.

US President Donald Trump has made a ‘huge signal’ with the colour of his tie during his second inauguration, an expert has claimed. Picture: Jim WATSON / AFP

He’s known for wearing red, a power colour, as seen here during his 2017 presidential ceremony. Picture: Mark Ralston / AFP

There were some who also noted the colour purple is synonymous with royalty, sparking a mix of reactions.

“Is anyone else struck by the fact President Trump is wearing a PURPLE TIE?? He never wears purple. It’s the colour of Royalty, deep state, and I find it unsettling to say the least,” one reasoned.

“President Trump’s tie is NOT PURPLE. It is small blue and red checks. From a distance the red and blue checks may visually blend and it may appear purple, but it is NOT purple,” another argued.

As one chipped in: “I’M THRILLED! I know what that is a symbol of.”

US President Donald Trump gestures as he attends the inaugural parade inside Capital One Arena, in Washington, DC, on January 20, 2025. Picture: Angela Weiss / AFP

Mr Trump’s wife Melania has followed the unspoken rule of wearing an American designer when taking office, opting for two US brands. Picture: Tasos Katopodis / Getty Images

The US President’s suit was also a point of interest, with experts stating Mr Trump “played it safe” with a formal dark blue number.

It’s not known yet who designed the suit, but a menswear expert said most president’s opt for an American tailor.

“Forty of the last 45 presidents bought at least some of their suits from Brooks Brothers, the most important menswear clothier in this nation’s history,” Derek Guy told the BBC.

I think it’s important for American presidents to wear American-made clothes when they are taking their oath of office.”

Mr Trump’s wife Melania has followed this rule, donning a look made by two US designers: a dark navy coat and skirt designed by Adam Lippes, and a dramatic wide-brimmed hat by Eric Javits.