Ivanka's Fashion Missteps: Outfits That Sparked Controversy

Ivanka Trump’s Print That Sparked Pandemic Comparisons

In February 2020, Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared Kushner, visited India, sharing picturesque photos in front of the iconic Taj Mahal. As they posed against the historic backdrop, Ivanka captioned her Instagram and X posts, “The grandeur and beauty of the Taj Mahal is awe-inspiring!” Despite their seemingly charming public display, the timing of the trip—and Ivanka’s outfit—would soon become the subject of controversy.

Ivanka wore a Proenza Schouler dress adorned with bold crimson flowers. At first glance, the print seemed innocent enough, but closer inspection by observant X users revealed a striking resemblance to the appearance of the COVID-19 virus under a microscope. This unnerving detail quickly caught attention, particularly as the virus was beginning to spread across the U.S. The dress, originally worn by Ivanka during a 2019 trip to Purmamarca, Argentina, became the focal point of online discourse, drawing both shock and praise.

While some users criticized the timing and the unsettling print, others complimented Ivanka for re-wearing the dress, appreciating the sustainable approach. However, the juxtaposition of a virus-like pattern and the burgeoning pandemic was hard to ignore, and it quickly became a viral talking point.