Canadian costume businesses have observed a decline in the popularity of dressing up as Donald Trump for Halloween in 2025 compared to previous years. Christy Greenwood, the owner of Theatre Garage in Edmonton, noted a significant decrease in requests for Trump costumes, attributing it to the current political climate.
During the 2016 U.S. presidential election season, demand for Trump-inspired costumes, including blond wigs and orange makeup to mimic his skin tone, was high. However, interest waned after Trump’s victory and subsequent term in office, with public sentiment in Canada turning more negative towards the U.S. president, especially amid his controversial statements about Canada potentially becoming a U.S. state.
In Hamilton, where Trump’s tariffs have impacted the steel industry, costume shops have seen a drop in inquiries for Trump-related attire. Instead, there has been an increase in requests for costumes like Mounties, reflecting a shift in costume preferences.
Customer behavior at costume stores indicates a shift away from political costumes, with individuals opting for classic choices like clowns and vampires. The decline in interest extends beyond Trump costumes to other U.S. celebrity outfits, such as those inspired by Katy Perry and members of Kiss.
Greenwood highlighted that this Halloween season has seen a trend towards traditional costumes, with some outfits even being rented for protest purposes rather than for Halloween festivities. Customers are also showing a preference for locally-made products, emphasizing support for Canadian industries.