JD Vance's smokey eyes in his inaugural portrait spark mixed reactions: 'Thought it was a parody'

WASHINGTON, DC: President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance are prepping up for the January 20 inauguration in grand style and several big names are set to perform at the inauguration celebration for Trump.

Amid all the preparations, the inaugural portraits for both Trump and Vance taken by photographer Daniel Torok, were also released, and netizens noticed an unusual thing in the incoming VP's picture.

JD Vance's eyes appear different in his inaugural portrait

While Donald Trump's portrait seemed strikingly similar to his famous mugshot from 2023, the incoming VP's portrait captured him with a soft smile, and arms crossed over his blue suit and blue tie. But what caught the attention of netizens was how different and "smokey" Vance's eyes appeared, making few believe that Vance had done something to his eyes, maybe with an eyeliner.

Notably, Vance's wife Usha, had previously pushed back against the rumors that he uses eyeliner. In August 2024, Usha addressed the speculations about her 40-year-old husband's beauty practices to pop out his cerulean eyes.

She wrote in a statement to Puck News, according to Daily Beast, "They're all natural. I've always been jealous of those lashes."

However, the incoming VP's eyes have attracted admirers, including Trump. The Bulwark reported in an article in July 2024, "Trump has repeatedly commented favorably on his 'beautiful' blue eyes and long eyelashes."

Moreover, Trump had also called JD Vance "a young Abraham Lincoln" because of his appearance.

Internet divided after release of JD Vance's inaugural portrait

People on the internet stayed divided and had mixed reactions after the release of JD Vance's inaugural portrait. Some claimed that the incoming VP looked good in the portrait while some thought it could have been better.

"Is it just me? Vice-Presidential Elect JD Vance looks like he wears black eyeliner with shadow makeup," wrote one user.

Someone else said, "Can someone ask JD Vance what eyeliner he uses."

A user wrote on X, "All I can see," while one added, "Rocking the smokey eye!!"

A person also stated, "He's got superhero lazer eyes," whereas one mentioned, "Why does he look like that?"

A user also wrote, "I thought it was parody when I first saw this. This is awesome!" while one commented, "I prefer the JD Vance meme photo. Would be better."

Another person added, "Those are the eyes of a tortured man...," whereas one wrote, "Is it just me, or do the eyes look overly doctored?"

Donald Trump's inaugural portrait draws parallels to viral mugshot

Donald Trump's inauguration portrait has also gone viral, drawing comparisons to his infamous 2023 mugshot. The inaugural portrait showcases Trump with a stern and commanding expression, quite similar to his old mugshot taken after he surrendered to authorities in Atlanta on charges related to alleged attempts to reverse the 2020 election results.

Trump’s mugshot from 2023 became an internet sensation back then, symbolizing defiance and generating millions in merchandise sales.

Interestingly, the eerie similarity between the official portrait and the viral mugshot did not go unnoticed by social media users as many chimed in with memes.

Notably, social media amplified the attention around Trump’s inauguration portrait and turned it into a cultural moment. A person humorously wrote, "JUMPSCARE OMG, PUT A TRIGGER WARNING NEXT TIME."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.