Donald Trump’s political career has been marked by strong opinions and unwavering support from a dedicated base. This fervor has manifested in various ways, including a unique and permanent form of expression: the Trump Tattoo. Following Trump’s victory in the New Hampshire primaries in 2016, the Clay Dragon Tattoo Studio in Seabrook, New Hampshire, gained notoriety for offering free Donald Trump tattoos. This phenomenon offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of politics, personal identity, and tattoo culture.
Bob Holmes, the owner of Clay Dragon Tattoo Studio and a tattoo artist with 32 years of experience, reported giving away 41 free Trump tattoos in just a couple of weeks. The demand was diverse, ranging from Trump’s iconic “Make America Great Again” slogan to portraits and customized designs incorporating American flags. Holmes even expressed his enthusiasm for tattooing the popular image of Trump as Uncle Sam.
To understand this trend, it’s essential to explore the motivations behind these tattoos. Visiting Clay Dragon Tattoo, individuals who had chosen to permanently display their political allegiance on their skin shared their reasons and perspectives.
The Commitment of Ink: Bill, 46, Peace Officer
Bill, a 46-year-old peace officer, views his Trump tattoo as a profound commitment. “It’s a commitment,” he explained. “You can say you support a candidate—you can say you support an understanding or belief. But to get a tattoo, which is for the rest of your life, that’s a commitment. And that’s kind of the statement I wanted to make, which is, I believe in making America great, to the point where I’m willing to wear it for the rest of my life.” For Bill and others like him, the tattoo transcends mere political support; it’s a lifelong declaration of belief in the idea of making America great again, a sentiment they are willing to carry on their skin permanently. He emphasizes that the cost, or lack thereof, was irrelevant. The value lies in the message and the personal conviction it represents.
A Story to Tell: Dmitri, 24, Pizza Restaurant Employee
Dmitri, a 24-year-old pizza restaurant employee, had a different perspective. He saw the Trump tattoo as a unique story. “I saw the Trump tattoos on the news and called that night,” Dmitri recounted. “When I called, they said, ‘Do you want the slogan?’ I said, ‘No, I want the face!’” For Dmitri, the tattoo is less about deep political conviction and more about capturing a moment in history. He envisions it as an anecdote to share in the future, regardless of Trump’s political fate. “Ten years from now, I’m going to be telling people, ‘Yeah, this dude ran for president.’ If he became president, that’s one thing. That’d be awesome. If he became president and got assassinated, that’s another story right there. Right? Like, ‘Dude, dead president on my leg.’ It’s a win-win. And win-win-win, because it’s ink on my body for free.” Even his mother’s disapproval didn’t deter him. For Dmitri, who is ineligible to vote, the tattoo is a personal narrative etched in ink.
Embracing Outspokenness: Cody, 24, Construction Worker
Cody, a 24-year-old construction worker, opted for a more elaborate and visually striking Trump tattoo. His tattoo features Donald Trump in front of an American flag, ripping open his shirt to reveal a Superman logo. “It’s just something crazy, and I wanted another tattoo,” Cody stated. “This one is sick. People were talking about Trump tattoos, and I was like, ‘Screw it. Why not?’” Cody’s motivation stems from admiring Trump’s outspoken nature. “Trump is very outspoken and he speaks his mind, and that’s what I like about him. That, and I don’t like Bernie Sanders.” For Cody, the tattoo is a bold and unconventional expression, aligning with Trump’s persona and his own desire for a unique piece of body art.
An Icon of Success: Max, 26, Construction Worker
Max, a 26-year-old construction worker, views Donald Trump as a symbol of success and relatability. “I did the portrait like a week ago. It took maybe an hour, it wasn’t too bad,” Max shared. “I support Trump, you know—he’s behind me and I’m behind him—literally. He’s an icon. It’s pop culture. He’s been around my entire childhood. He just breathes success, and he’s someone to look towards and to shoot for. So I think it’s cool.” Max sees Trump as more than just a politician; he’s a cultural figure who embodies success and aspiration. For Max, the tattoo represents his support for Trump’s values and his hope for a better future, particularly for his children. He notes a divide in reactions to his tattoo, with fellow working-class individuals being more supportive than those he perceives as lacking ambition or living off government assistance.
The Enduring Appeal of Political Tattoos
Trump tattoos are not an isolated phenomenon. Political tattoos, in general, have a long history, serving as powerful statements of affiliation, rebellion, or belief. From historical figures to movement symbols, people have used their bodies as canvases to express their political identities. The Trump tattoo trend highlights the intense emotional connection some individuals feel towards political figures and ideologies. It raises questions about identity, commitment, and the increasingly visual nature of political expression in contemporary society. While some may view these tattoos as extreme or controversial, they undeniably represent a significant form of personal and political expression for those who choose to get them.
