Trump Staffer Tricia McLaughlin's Wardrobe Is Full Of Tacky Outfits

Many members of President Donald Trump's administration have made mistakes when it comes to fashion. From Pam Bondi's odd choices of colors and prints to Karoline Leavitt's outfits that make her look so much older, these ladies are desperately in need of fashion knowledge. Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin is no exception. The young official is frequently seen during television appearances wearing outfits that are either wrong for the setting or just plain unusual. Her voluminous hair and stern facial expressions only emphasize how so many of her outfits feel a bit off.

McLaughlin relies heavily on business wear. Blazers of multiple styles and colors are her go-to garment for appearances. Where she often fails is when trying to put her own creative spin on corporate wear. She does not know how to properly balance or ground business attire with softer elements in a way that highlights her youthful features. It's not out of the ordinary to see McLaughlin in suit jackets that are unflattering on her figure or even downright ugly. And her choice of wardrobe when off the clock leaves a lot to be desired as well. McLaughlin has worn many tacky outfits over the years, and it's unlikely that she will learn her lesson anytime soon. 

High school football games are always rife with sports jerseys and paraphernalia. But not for Tricia McLaughlin, who decided to embrace workwear at a sporting event to kick off 2026. She chose to wear a gray striped suit jacket that looked like it was choking her, as it was not fitted for her chest. She did dress down her outfit with white sneakers, but her corporate attire still made her stand out like a sore thumb. Her attempt to soften the look with casual footwear just looked sloppy. 

Posing with a friend, Tricia McLaughlin didn't provide any context for this ensemble which only made it all the more confusing. The outfit, complete with disco curls, felt like it was transported straight out of the 1970s. McLaughlin's wearing of this jumpsuit in a sexy lace material was pretty risqué, no matter what the occasion. An entire outfit covered in black lace comes with the risk of being too sheer and revealing. Overall, this strange wardrobe choice came off as tacky and dated.

Tricia McLaughlin doesn't seem to know how to highlight her femininity in different atmospheres. She struggles to transition from corporate attire to casual evening wear. This outfit is the perfect example, as she chose a solid neutral black, but in the form of an outfit that contradicts itself. The long sleeves and modest neckline are overshadowed by the revealing skirt which starts directly at McLaughlin's thigh — definitely not a choice many would make for a family event. 

Subtlety is not something that Tricia McLaughlin knows how to grasp. We can't imagine what was going through her head when she decided to wear a skin-tight nude dress to a 2022 event with her family. The garment looked like underwear and the silhouette felt outdated. McLaughlin should have chosen a more elegant outfit to show off her tan skin and highlights. Her sister wore a nearly identical outfit with a lower neckline, proving that both the ladies should learn a lesson in how to dress classy. 

During an interview with MSNBC back in 2023, it was obvious that Tricia McLaughlin was trying to mimic a '90s fashion icon. She dressed similarly to the main character of "Clueless" by wearing a preppy yet girly matching suit jacket and skirt. Rather than the movie's yellow ensemble with knee high socks, McLaughlin chose a hot pink plaid that looked poorly tailored. The loud color paired with her bare legs and tousled hair felt juvenile rather than professional. The too-short skirt also felt inappropriate for a work event. 

Tricia McLaughlin has done quite a bit of traveling for her job and on her own. During a 2015 trip to Europe, McLaughlin posed beside a phone booth in England. Nothing about her outfit said "world traveler," as it seemed she was trying to imitate a Real Housewife with her overstated wardrobe. Her monochrome outfit included a puffy jacket and blacked-out sunglasses that made her stick out as an obvious tourist. Her expression hints that she thought she was serving high fashion, but instead the outfit was giving fashion flop.