The MAGA hat is a hat introduced during the Donald Trump 2016 presidential campaign. It is usually red and features the campaign slogan "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) in white uppercase letters. It has since grown to become a symbol of belonging for those part of the MAGA movement, a political movement led by Donald Trump.
The red hat bearing the slogan "Make America Great Again" was released in 2016 as apparel for the first presidential campaign of Donald Trump. Owing to its white-on-red design, [1] [2] it found great success as a symbol of unity among Trump supporters. Some critics have compared its use to other politically charged symbols, such as the Confederate flag, while supporters view it as an expression of patriotism and political identity.. [3] [4]
Due to its association with Trump and his policies, the hat has been a source of controversy. Some individuals view it as a divisive or provocative symbol, while others see it as an exercise of their political beliefs. [5] [6] In January 2019, it gained media attention during a highly-publicized standoff between a group of high schoolers wearing the hat and Omaha tribe leader Nathan Phillips. The incident was initially perceived by some as racially charged; however, subsequent video footage led to a reassessment of the situation by multiple media outlets. [7] [8]
On December 29, 2022, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in Vancouver, Washington ruled that wearing a MAGA hat is considered protected speech under the First Amendment. A former teacher had worn a MAGA hat to class to school and described facing verbal harassment and retaliation from school employees. [9]
The MAGA hat has at times been co-opted by non-supporters. At a 9/11 memorial event in September 2024, President Joe Biden momentarily wore the hat to underline the theme of unity on that day. [10]
