Why does Donald Trump always wear a red tie? Expert decodes his tie colours

President Donald Trump’s tie choices aren’t random, according to an expert. From bold reds to calming blues, each colour might reveal what he’s feeling — or trying to say. Here’s what it means!

Why does Donald Trump always wear a red tie? Expert decodes his tie colours
© Francis Chung/Getty Images
Why does Donald Trump always wear a red tie? Expert decodes his tie colours

President Donald Trump’s style has always been consistent — navy suit, crisp white shirt, and his signature tie. However, while the outfit may appear uniform, his ties speak volumes.

Discover our latest podcast

Over the years, President Trump — who wants homeless people to move out of DC — has made subtle yet strategic changes to his tie colours, each rumoured to reflect a specific mood or political message. Whether he’s at the State of the Union or facing trial, the shade of his tie might be doing more talking than the speeches themselves. Let’s break down what these colours could mean.

What Trump’s red, blue and purple ties might be saying

President Trump’s tie colours have evolved over the years — and each shift appears to align with specific moments in his presidency. As noted by personal stylist Sian Clarke, these colour choices may reflect more than fashion. They could be deliberate cues meant to project confidence, calm, unity, or purpose, depending on the occasion.

Red tie

A staple in Trump’s wardrobe since the start of his presidency, the red tie has become synonymous with his image. Worn with a white shirt and blue suit, it mirrors the colours of the American flag. Mirror US describes this as a 'power tie' — a classic symbol of confidence, authority, and party loyalty. Meanwhile, Clarke told the publication:

Donald Trump wore red to get heard, show his motivation, passion, and boost his confidence. It's ultimate colour for public speaking and interviews and signifies his power.

Blue tie

While red remains dominant, Trump has also incorporated blue ties, especially at formal occasions such as the State of the Union addresses in 2017 and 2018. According to Clarke, blue is about calmness and communication. She said:

Blue releases oxytocin which makes the wearer feel calm. The calmer we and our team feel, the better we communicate.
It's the best colour for communication and builds trust, which is what Trump aimed to do.

Purple tie

The biggest surprise came during the 2025 inauguration, where Trump appeared wearing a purple tie. The choice prompted speculation about symbolism, as purple combines red and blue — a possible nod to political unity. While the meaning was never confirmed, the timing and colour stirred conversation.

Other than these three colours, Trump has been spotted wearing yellow ties and striped ties. Trump brought yellow ties into rotation during his campaign events. She explained:

Trump needed this throughout his campaign. It helped Trump to think in the moment because of the prompt it gives the brain as well as uplifting mood.

The vibrant hue, associated with optimism and mental agility, could be interpreted as an attempt to energise both himself and his audience.

Meanwhile, striped ties are a ‘symbol of pride and loyalty.’ She added:

They are also a symbol of status and the white stripe can represent new beginnings and honesty.

Decoding Trump’s courtroom and campaign ties

In 2024, Trump’s hush money trial caught attention not just for its legal implications but for the varied tie colours he wore throughout. Observers noted his tie choices seemed to mirror his emotional state.

Sian Clarke assessed that his courtroom attire was far from coincidental. On the day of the verdict, he wore a blue tie — a move Clarke suggested was to project calmness. She said:

Blue is a crowd-pleaser.

When opting for red, Clarke explained:

Red releases adrenaline, adrenaline is the flight or fight response that gives us a hit of energy which also turns into power. Donald Trump wore red to get heard, show his motivation, passion, and boost his confidence. Its ultimate color for public speaking and interviews and signifies his power.

Read more:

Barron Trump allegedly shut down Trump Tower floor for private date amid college life

Who was Charlie Kirk? Inside the life and death of Trump’s closest young ally

Donald Trump breaks silence on social media health speculation after a quite long weekend

Source used:

Mirror US: Trump only wears three different colored ties and they all have a different meaning

Barron Trump’s behaviour changes when with Melania or Donald Trump, says expert Barron Trump’s behaviour changes when with Melania or Donald Trump, says expert