RNC's Significant Spending on Hair and Makeup Amid Image Focus

The Republican National Committee (RNC) has significantly increased its spending on hair and makeup services, reportedly allocating over $59,000 for "media preparation" between April and November of 2025. This expenditure primarily benefited Brittany Goetz, a makeup artist with ties to the Trump administration, who received $53,850 for her services. Goetz's previous work includes engagements with Fox News and various GOP officials, including White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Republican National Committee Boosts Spending for Hair and MakeupRNC ramps up spending on hair and makeup: campaign finance records

The RNC's heightened focus on image aligns with a broader trend within the Republican Party, particularly during Donald Trump's presidency, where media appearances have become increasingly central to political strategy. The party's emphasis on presenting a polished image has been evident in various high-profile media engagements, including a Vanity Fair photo shoot featuring prominent Trump administration figures. This shift towards prioritizing aesthetics has been described as a response to the demands of a media-savvy political landscape.

RNC ramps up spending on hair and makeup: campaign finance records

Critics have raised concerns regarding the RNC's substantial investment in cosmetic services. Meredith McGehee, an expert in lobbying and ethics, noted that the amount spent by the RNC appears excessive but is not surprising given the culture fostered under Trump. She remarked, “In Trump land, as we all know, they all wear about a ton of makeup,” highlighting the expectation for both male and female officials to maintain a certain appearance. This spending trend has drawn comparisons to similar expenditures by the Democratic National Committee (DNC), which reported spending nearly $10,900 on makeup services for Kamala Harris.

Republican National Committee Boosts Spending for Hair and Makeup

The RNC has not provided specific details regarding the services rendered by Goetz, nor has it commented on the reported expenditures. The White House and Goetz also did not respond to inquiries about the spending. While it is not uncommon for political committees to invest in cosmetic services, the RNC's recent spending raises questions about the implications of such financial decisions in the context of political image management.

Republican National Committee Boosts Spending for Hair and Makeup

While the RNC's spending on cosmetic services has been documented, there is a lack of transparency regarding the specific services provided and the rationale behind the expenditures. Additionally, the DNC's spending on similar services, while noted, remains significantly lower, prompting discussions about the differing priorities between the two parties.

RNC ramps up spending on hair and makeup: campaign finance records

• “In Trump land, as we all know, they all wear about a ton of makeup,” — Meredith McGehee, Lobbying and Ethics Expert

Republican National Committee Boosts Spending for Hair and Makeup

• “You can subsidize a pretty attractive kind of lifestyle with some perks that you might not otherwise be able to afford,” — Meredith McGehee, Lobbying and Ethics Expert

Republican National Committee Boosts Spending for Hair and Makeup

The RNC's focus on image through substantial spending on hair and makeup services reflects a broader trend in political strategy, raising questions about the implications of such expenditures in the current political climate.

RNC ramps up spending on hair and makeup: campaign finance records