'He’s got to be exhausted': Trump's disheveled appearance worries fans as he battles Iowa cold weather
DES MOINES, IOWA: Donald Trump appears set for a significant victory in the Iowa caucuses, per The Hill. However, the spotlight shifted from politics to the former president's appearance when he entered the Hotel Fort Des Moines on Saturday, January 13, leaving many questioning his well-being.
Known for his meticulous image, Trump's disheveled look raised eyebrows among observers. Despite being criticized for wearing ill-fitting suits from time to time, Trump has always upheld the importance of looking one's best.
The Trump aesthetic
In a 2008 interview with Esquire, he stated, "Looking one's best is good for confidence. High self-esteem is important for effective performance." Dressing well, according to Trump, is a sign of respect for oneself and others.
Trump's distinctive yellow hair, a subject of fascination and speculation, is acknowledged by the former president himself in his book 'Trump: How to Get Rich'. He admitted to dyeing it to achieve the unique hue, noting, "Somehow the color never looks great, but what the hell, I just don't like gray hair."
At the 2018 Conservative Political Action Conference, Trump revealed the effort behind his sculpted combover, ensuring his bald spot remains discreet.
A video shared on X (formerly Twitter) captured the moment Trump entered the hotel, and his hair visibly blew in the air. Attempting to smooth it back down, he commented on the freezing weather and paused to boast about his "tremendous support."
President Trump walks into the Hotel Fort Des Moines where I happen to also be staying. Trump: “That’s a lot of cold weather. We have a lot of meetings tonight, a lot of tremendous support, but it’s nasty out there.” Cc: @dcexaminer pic.twitter.com/B3obeiVxhK
— Samantha-Jo Roth (@SamanthaJoRoth) January 14, 2024
Social media reactions
However, his appearance triggered concerns among his supporters, with comments expressing worries about his health and stamina.
"Does not look healthy," one posted on X.
"He doesn't look well," another wrote.
"Is he having a hard time walking?" a comment read.
"Gosh, I hope he stays healthy. He’s got to be exhausted," someone else added.
"A powerful Patriot who has and continues to endure the wrath of D.C. Swamp. May God Bless Pres Trump and I will continue to [pray] for his safety 24/7," another chimed in.
He doesn't look well pic.twitter.com/4hc5PC6LRz
— PhotographicFloridian (@JackLinFLL) January 14, 2024
Gosh I hope he stays healthy. He’s got to be exhausted 🙏🙏🙏🙏🇺🇸❤️
— MarieElidaE (@EMarie68583) January 14, 2024
A powerful Patriot who has and continues to endure the wrath of D.C. Swamp. May God Bless Pres Trump and I will continue to🙏 for his safety 24/7🙏🇺🇸♥️
— Knitter 🇺🇸🇮🇹🍊🍊MAGA (@patni1111) January 14, 2024
According to Nicki Swift, Trump's outfit choice also raised eyebrows. Wearing a black overcoat and a white shirt with the top buttons left undone, the absence of his trademark tie did not go unnoticed. Trump's long ties are typically a staple in his businessman uniform.
Observers noted this rare sighting without a tie, with one person on social media commenting, "The very rare Trump sighting without wearing a tie (besides golfing)."
The very rare Trump sighting without wearing a tie. (besides golfing)
— Jonthon Waldes (@JonnyWaldes) January 14, 2024
Trump's legal battles
As the frontrunner for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, Trump faces a barrage of legal challenges.
Indictments at both state and federal levels, coupled with a civil lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James, accuse Trump, his adult sons, and The Trump Organization of fraudulently overvaluing assets for favorable loans and taxation deals. Trump vehemently denies any wrongdoing.
In a separate legal battle, Trump was scheduled for a civil fraud trial on January 29, accused of deceiving individuals into investing in a loss-making video phone. However, a federal judge dismissed the lawsuit on Friday, ruling that the Manhattan federal court was not the appropriate venue.
The plaintiffs are now directed to bring their claims to states where they reside, such as California, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Despite these legal challenges, Trump has maintained his innocence in all cases, Newsweek reported.