In the latest episode of “The Real Cabinet Members of Mar-a-Lago,” Donald Trump has reportedly introduced a new accessory for his inner circle: golden lapel pins featuring his own likeness. Yes, you read that correctly. Forget the traditional American flag pin; the new symbol of allegiance is a miniature golden Trump bust. This move seems to be less about patriotism and more about personal branding.

Apparently, these aren’t just fun party favors from a Mar-a-Lago gift shop—they’re more like loyalty badges. As in, “Show your allegiance, or find the door.” It’s the kind of move you’d expect in a high school clique, not the highest levels of U.S. government. But hey, who needs functioning institutions when you can have golden brooches of Dear Leader?

According to Dean Blundell, “This isn’t new. History is littered with examples of authoritarian leaders forcing their likeness onto their followers as a symbol of dominance. In Mao’s China, those badges weren’t just accessories—they were a litmus test. You wore Mao’s face, or you were suspect. During the Cultural Revolution, millions pinned them to their chests, a literal mark of devotion to a man who demanded godlike reverence while his policies starved millions.”

This Trump loyalty oath isn’t just jewelry-deep either. His second-term staffing spree looks more like a casting call for “Survivor: MAGA Island.” People aren’t getting top government jobs based on qualifications or experience—they’re getting them because they know how to nod really enthusiastically when Trump talks.

Case in point: Fox News alum Pete Hegseth, who is now officially the Secretary of Defense. That’s right—the guy best known for weekend war talk on cable news is now running the Pentagon. Because in Trumpworld, why pick a seasoned general when you can pick someone who once swung a hatchet into a watermelon on live TV?

This whole setup has folks—especially the ones who prefer their presidents not wrapped in gold foil—raising eyebrows. Former Labor Secretary Robert Reich pointed out that Trump’s ideal cabinet isn’t full of independent thinkers or seasoned experts. Nope, it’s stacked with what Reich calls “submissives”—people who won’t challenge Trump, no matter how bonkers the idea. You know, the type who would smile and nod if Trump decided to replace the national anthem with “YMCA.”

And all of this isn’t just silly pageantry. When every decision-maker is just trying to keep the boss happy, bad ideas don’t get challenged. Smart dissent disappears. And the person in charge starts to believe he’s always right. (Spoiler alert: he’s not.)

So while Trump’s lapel-pin fashion show might seem harmless, it reflects a deeper issue—a government run on blind loyalty instead of brains. And that’s not just bad style. That’s bad leadership. Trump has been seen wearing a pin with his likeness as well, although it was slightly different and more cartoon-like:

President Trump’s new pin is EPIC🤣🔥 pic.twitter.com/RDVmHdlzsl

— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 12, 2025

In short: if you’re hoping for a second Trump term filled with fresh ideas and capable minds… maybe don’t hold your breath. Unless you’re wearing a pin.

HAT TIP: Boing Boing