Donald Trump unveils new outfits for his "Space Force", widely criticized for their Nazi-like aesthetic

Donald Trump has unveiled new uniforms for the U.S. Space Force, sparking widespread criticism for their resemblance to Nazi-era attire. The designs, shared on his social media platform Truth Social on September 6, 2026, feature a black tunic, knee-high boots, and a peaked cap with a visor, elements that have drawn comparisons to the uniforms of the Schutzstaffel (SS). The visual presentation describes the uniforms as inspired by the “discipline and functionality” of the outfits in the 1997 science fiction film Starship Troopers, a work known for its deliberate homage to Nazi aesthetics and fascist ideology. The film, directed by Paul Verhoeven, is set in a dystopian future where Earth is governed by a totalitarian regime battling alien invaders. Verhoeven, who grew up under Nazi occupation in the Netherlands, has described the film as an “ironic” portrayal of a “fascist utopia.” Critics at the time noted the film’s heavy reliance on Nazi-inspired fashion, including the SS-style uniforms worn by characters such as actor Neil Patrick Harris, who played a high-ranking military officer. During filming, Harris was reportedly nicknamed “Doogie Himmler” due to his appearance. The Space Force, established by Trump in 2019, has long embraced science fiction themes. Its current uniforms, which include a looser tunic with a diagonal front fastening and six buttons symbolizing its status as the sixth branch of the U.S. military, have already been likened to the attire of Imperial officers in the Star Wars franchise. However, the new designs, which Trump described as “modernized for the guardians of the space domain,” have taken this comparison further, with some observers suggesting they echo the militaristic style of the Third Reich. Social media users have expressed outrage over the perceived parallels. One user wrote, “This goes beyond parody, it looks like Trump is promoting SS uniforms.” Another criticized the lack of connection to space operations, stating, “There’s nothing in this uniform that relates to space, but it looks very much like a Nazi uniform.” Others pointed to the broader cultural references, noting that the uniforms resemble those of the Galactic Empire in Star Wars, a series often associated with authoritarian regimes led by figures like Emperor Palpatine. The proposed uniforms also incorporate a color scheme dominated by shades of black and gray, with elements reminiscent of the uniforms worn by the SS. The design includes a sharp fit, a peaked cap, and knee-high boots, all features historically associated with Nazi military regalia. While Trump did not explicitly reference the Nazi symbolism, the visual similarity has led many to question whether the choice was intentional. The Space Force, which was officially created in 2019, has previously faced scrutiny over its branding and association with fictional narratives. In recent months, Trump has also made available video games featuring immigrants on the White House website, a move that has drawn criticism for its tone. The new uniform proposal adds another layer of controversy to his administration’s approach to national identity and military representation. At present, there is no official confirmation that the uniforms will be adopted. Trump has not specified a timeline for implementation, nor has he addressed the concerns raised by critics. The design, which appears to have been generated using artificial intelligence, remains a subject of debate among historians, journalists, and members of the public. As discussions continue, the focus remains on the visual and symbolic implications of the proposed uniforms.