In Canada, businesses offering Donald Trump costumes for Halloween have noticed a shift in people’s interest. The owner of Theatre Garage in Edmonton, Christy Greenwood, mentioned that dressing up as Trump has become less popular, attributing this change to the prevailing political climate. In the past, during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, there was a surge in demand for Trump costumes, complete with blonde wigs and special makeup to match his distinctive orange complexion.
After Trump won the election and took office, interest in Trump costumes began to wane. The trend continued to decline, especially in light of Trump’s second term and his controversial statements about Canada potentially becoming a U.S. state. This sentiment was particularly evident in Hamilton, where the steel industry has been impacted by Trump’s tariffs, leading to a decrease in inquiries for Trump-related attire.
Catriona Cameron, an assistant manager at Theatrix in Hamilton, noted the decline in requests for Trump wigs, with customers now showing more interest in costumes representing Canadian symbols like Mounties. This shift in preferences reflects a broader trend away from U.S. celebrity costumes, including figures like Katy Perry and members of the band Kiss.
Despite the declining interest in Trump costumes, some individuals still find humor in dressing up as the former president. However, others view it as a sensitive topic. Overall, there seems to be a shift towards more traditional Halloween costume choices like clowns and vampires, with a focus on classic themes rather than contemporary political figures.
This year, customers are also displaying a preference for Canadian-made products, showing a growing support for domestic industries. As Canadians seek to distance themselves from political tensions and divisive figures, the Halloween season is becoming a time for escapism and celebration of traditional themes.
