The New York Times has sparked controversy with an article about the visible pregnancies of prominent women in the Trump administration.
The article, which focuses on the pregnancy image as a deliberate political tool, points to examples of Second Lady Usha Vance, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, and podcaster Katie Miller, wife of Stephen Miller, Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy.
The paper suggests that these women's pregnancies are part of a "family and fertility platform" and that their fashion choices are intentionally designed to emphasize their baby bumps.
According to the article, the pregnancies are seen as a counterpoint to the masculine imagery of MAGA men, with the pregnant women representing an idealized form of femininity.
The article also mentions that the timing of these high-profile pregnancies is significant and that they are being used as propaganda to humanize the administration.
However, Second Lady Usha Vance has pushed back against the criticism, joking that she can't wait to hear what the New York Times has to say about her everyday wardrobe choices.
In response to her $8.75 coral maternity dress from Old Navy, Vance tweeted, "Now that we know the political significance of my $8.75 coral maternity dress from Old Navy, can't wait to hear what the New York Times has to say about my elastic-waistband pants and compression socks!"
