šļø'The Ensemble': Election, But Make It Foreign Policy and Fashion
How Trumpās Return is Shaking Up Foreign Policy, Media Narratives, and the Fashion World
Hey, Ensemble readers! This week, weāre breaking down key developments in U.S. foreign policy, examining the impact of Trumpās return on global relations, media narratives, and the fashion industry. Letās dive in.
Editorās Note: The Rejection of āFakeā ā Why America is Done with Performers
Suzanne Kianpour, Editor-in-Chief
In recent conversations, Iāve noticed a common theme: Americans are increasingly fed up with anything that feels āfakeāāfrom politicians to celebrities to TV pundits. People are craving authenticity. Itās almost like a filter has come off, and audiences are tuning out those who seem more focused on talking than actually solving problems.
Of course one could say Donald Trump is a performer. So, why did a man with so many issues get re-elected? In my inbox, it comes down to one idea: āthe lesser of two evils.ā For many, this election wasnāt about individual personalities but a choice between Trump and a system they feel is out of touch. Itās no wonder ratings are falling, and audiences are finding more relatable, less scripted voices outside the mainstream.
At 5:19 a.m. in Washington, D.C., I was wide awake with jet lag and nearly walked to Starbucksāonly to think twice because it was still dark, and safety came to mind. Iāve heard this concern echoed by voters who feel Trump is the only one addressing their fears about crime and frustration with the status quo. Thatās a big part of why heās backāheās tapped into concerns few others are talking about.
On top of this, weāre seeing a wave of misogynist content spreading across media, and itās deeply concerning. Yet under Trumpās first term, a record number of women led national security efforts, and no new wars started. Thatās why I created Women Building Peace, a BBC series centered on the impact of women in leadership. Now, with Susie Wiles as Trumpās first female White House Chief of Staff, itās clear that true progress comes from empowering peacebuilders. Trump himself should stand against the misogynistic rhetoric thatās creeping into the conversationāit doesnāt reflect the leadership heās assembling.
What I hear most from readers is a desire for real conversations and tough, solution-oriented discussions. If we want to shift the narrative, we have to cut through the noise and get real
Americaās Place in the World
Trump and Tariffs: An Economic Misstep
Trumpās stance on tariffs highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of global trade dynamics. Intended to make foreign goods less competitive, tariffs often lead to higher costs for U.S. consumers. The global trade system has evolved to lower tariffs over time, creating a stable international market. An all-out tariff war could disrupt this stability, driving up prices for Americans and straining ties with major trade partners.
Learn more from The Washington Post.
Iranian Man Charged in Plot to Assassinate Trump
The U.S. Department of Justice announced that an Iranian man has been charged with plotting to assassinate former President Donald Trump. The charges underscore the enduring tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which have intensified amid discussions of re-imposing strict sanctions on Iran under Trumpās renewed "maximum pressure" approach. The Justice Department's actions highlight the potential risks as both countries navigate a highly charged geopolitical landscape.
Taiwan in the Balance: The China Conundrum
Trumpās isolationist stance may embolden China, which could see a less engaged U.S. as an opening to increase pressure on Taiwan. However, China is currently facing domestic economic challenges, including an ongoing real estate debt crisis, which could limit its ability to act aggressively. While a reduced U.S. foreign policy footprint might alter the balance, Chinaās internal issues might keep it from making drastic moves against Taiwanāfor now. If youāve been following me for a while, youāll know Iām on a journey to visit 100 countries. My trip to China helped me pass 90. I told a fellow journalist - a Chinese woman - how excited I was to visit Taiwan and add a new country to my list. āTaiwan is China,ā she responded, stone cold.
Read more from The Washington Post.
Europeās Support for Ukraine Amid U.S. Withdrawal Concerns
With Trump signaling a potential reduction in U.S. support for Ukraine, European nations are consolidating their own backing for Kyiv. Former MI6 Chief Sir Alex Younger described the Western strategy as āensuring Ukraine only loses slowly,ā emphasizing the challenge of securing a decisive victory. Trumpās proposed peace plan might involve concessions, such as allowing Russia to retain control over parts of Eastern Ukraine and Crimea with international oversight. Such terms could be unacceptable to many Ukrainians, as they compromise sovereignty and territorial integrity. To make this plan viable, Trump would need the support of European leaders to influence President Zelensky, which would likely face resistance.
Learn more from The Washington Post.
Bidenās Lame-Duck WH and Israelās Strategic Calculations
With Biden potentially managing a lame-duck administration, Trumpās return could bring swift moves to resolve both the Ukraine and Gaza conflicts while maintaining strong support for Israel. Israel may use this period to target senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, leveraging minimal international pressure for peace negotiations. This strategy allows Israel to secure its objectives while potentially reshaping regional dynamics under a renewed U.S.-Israel alliance.
Read more from The Washington Post.
Mainstream Mediaās Disconnect with Trump Voters
Mainstream media often seem disconnected from the financial challenges that many American voters face. Frequently exposed to progressive arguments on issues like reproductive rights, the mediaās narratives donāt always align with public sentiment. This divergence became clear in the recent election, where a majority of white women voted for Trump, challenging widely held narratives. Traditional polling methods continue to struggle with accurately capturing Trumpās support base, as seen in the miscalculated Iowa poll, where Trump won by a significant margin. This highlights a growing gap between media perspectives and voter realities.
Women Building
Susie Wiles: Breaking the Glass Ceiling as White House Chief of Staff
In a historic move, President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Susie Wiles as his White House Chief of Staff, making her the first woman to hold this role. Wiles, a co-chair of Trumpās campaign, has been instrumental in his political journey, contributing significantly to his electoral successes. Her appointment is a major step for gender diversity at the highest levels of U.S. government.
Record Number of Women in Trumpās Administration
During his first term, Trump appointed a notable number of women to senior administration roles. These appointments included:
Kellyanne Conway ā Senior Counselor to the President: Conway was the first woman to manage a successful presidential campaign and was a close advisor to President Trump.
Ivanka Trump ā Advisor to the President: Ivanka led initiatives focused on economic empowerment for women, including the Womenās Global Development and Prosperity Initiative.
Nikki Haley ā U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations: Haley represented U.S. interests at the U.N., addressing key international issues.
Elaine Chao ā Secretary of Transportation: Chao oversaw U.S. transportation policies and infrastructure projects.
Betsy DeVos ā Secretary of Education: DeVos championed school choice and education reform initiatives.
These appointments highlight Trumpās efforts to place women in influential positions, marking a record for female representation in his administration.
Election, But Make It Fashion
With Trumpās return, the fashion industry is bracing for challenges ahead. Proposed tariffs on imports, particularly from China, could increase costs for apparel and footwear, further straining luxury brands already dealing with inflation. While lower taxes might benefit affluent consumers, rising costs and possible stagflation could impact the broader market. Fashion brands are now re-evaluating their sourcing and supply chains, anticipating policy changes that might reshape trade, manufacturing, and consumer spending.
Following Trumpās re-election, fashion and beauty brands are also considering how to navigate their political messaging. Some founders are hesitant to align with specific stances, worried about alienating segments of their customer base, while others see this as an opportunity to reinforce their brand values and connect with like-minded consumers. The industry is carefully monitoring consumer sentiment, refining strategies to stay resilient in a politically polarized environment.
Rachel Reeves and the Power of the Pussy-Bow Blouse
In the U.K., Chancellor Rachel Reeves made a statement not only with her budget but also with her attire. During her historic first budget announcement, she wore a plum-colored pussy-bow blouse, a nod to both femininity and authority. This iconic style, famously associated with Margaret Thatcher, aligns with the fall/winter trend for bold burgundy and shows how political figures use fashion to project strength. Reevesā look resonated widely, underscoring the power of style as a statement of leadership.
Read more from The Independent.
Melania Trumpās Election Day Ensembles
As Donald Trump secured the presidency on November 5, Melania Trump once again turned heads with her fashion choices. She opted for a double-breasted grey wool suit by Dior for the eveningāsophisticated, understated, and unmistakably chic. Earlier that day, she wore a Dior polka dot dress to cast her vote. Curated by her stylist HervĆ© Pierre, Melaniaās wardrobe choices continue to captivate attention, embodying a blend of elegance and quiet resilience even as luxury brands navigate their relationships with her public image.
Catch up from the Evening Standard.
Thanks for tuning in this week, Ensemble readers! From shifts in foreign policy to bold fashion statements, weāll continue connecting global events with the world of style. See you next week as we bring more insights into how these stories shape the worldāand what it means for you.