Canadian costume businesses that rent or sell outfits say that dressing up as Donald Trump for Halloween isn’t as popular in 2025 compared to previous years. According to Christy Greenwood, owner of Theatre Garage in Edmonton, the demand for Trump costumes has significantly decreased, possibly due to the political climate. In the past, there was a surge in interest for Trump costumes during the 2016 U.S. presidential election, with people even inquiring about replicating Trump’s distinctive look, including his unique orange skin tone using a specific clown makeup color called auguste.
The decline in Trump costume popularity became noticeable after Trump’s election victory and subsequent term in office. Criticism arose when Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid sported a Trump-inspired costume at a Halloween party, receiving mixed reactions from the public. As Trump’s stance on Canada became more contentious, especially suggesting that Canada should become a U.S. state, sentiments towards him soured further, leading to a decrease in demand for Trump costumes.
In cities like Hamilton, where Trump’s tariffs have impacted the steel industry, interest in Trump costumes has waned. Catriona Cameron, assistant manager at Theatrix in Hamilton, noted a decline in inquiries for Trump wigs, with no requests this year. Conversely, there has been a rise in Canadians opting for patriotic costumes like Mounties, reflecting a shift away from U.S. political figures.
Customers at Theatre Garage in Edmonton echoed the sentiment, stating that dressing as Trump is no longer as appealing. Some individuals, like Niamh Dower, expressed fatigue with political costumes in general, suggesting that the Trump trend has run its course. However, others like Stephanie Labute found humor in impersonating Trump, considering him a comedic figure in Canadian eyes.
While Trump costumes are on the decline, Greenwood mentioned a drop in interest for all U.S. celebrity outfits in 2025. Classic choices like Kiss band members or Katy Perry have lost popularity, with customers opting for traditional Halloween themes like vampires and clowns instead. Greenwood noted a shift towards supporting Canadian products this Halloween, emphasizing a desire to back local industries.
This year’s Halloween seems to be a departure from political themes, with customers leaning towards timeless and non-controversial costume options. The focus is on enjoying the festivities without delving into the divisive rhetoric surrounding political figures.