Trump’s Rules for Cabinet Members Explained by VP JD Vance

Vice President JD Vance has shared insights into President Donald Trump’s strict guidelines for his Cabinet members, with a particular focus on the traditional dress code. Speaking on the “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast, Vance highlighted that Trump’s style preferences, such as a lack of brown shoes, reflect his belief in the importance of respecting the institutions that public officials serve.

“The president has a certain sense that you ought to respect the place, you ought to respect the institution, respect the office. And one of the ways you do that is by dressing like a normal person,” Vance said in the episode released Thursday. “And I think that’s an old-fashioned thing.”

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, and running mate Sen. JD Vance, joined family members and others at Ground Zero on September 11, 2024, in New York City. They participated in a ceremony remembering those who died during the September 11, 2001, attacks at the World Trade Center.

In discussing Trump’s expectations of his team, Vance noted that the president emphasizes projecting professionalism. This contrasts with the approach of many modern-day politicians. Vance explained some of the dress code rules, noting that Trump typically opts for a navy suit, black shoes, and a solid tie.

“Well, I mean, he always has a navy suit. It’s almost always a solid tie. It’s always black shoes,” Vance said. “Like, he’ll bust the chops of some of the Cabinet members if they’ve got brown shoes on.”

Earlier this year, Trump acknowledged on “The Brian Kilmeade Show” that he occasionally buys new shoes for his officials. “When they tell me they have a problem, I say, ‘Let me get you a pair of shoes,'” Trump stated in March.

Vance recounted observing Trump comment on the attire of others, including a notable instance involving Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, known as the “Zelensky moment.” During a White House meeting, Zelenskyy had opted against a suit, leading to a tense conversation with U.S. officials. In a subsequent meeting, Zelenskyy wore a more formal outfit, which drew a positive comment from a reporter. Trump also complimented the Ukrainian leader’s appearance.

“That was not a good moment for him,” Vance remarked, referring to Zelenskyy’s initial choice of attire. “And it’s funny because things kind of worked out. I think we were able to repair that relationship.”

Vance also shared a personal anecdote involving Trump’s son, Don Jr., during the 2024 campaign’s 9/11 memorial ceremony. Trump, noticing Don Jr.’s choice of a wide-collar shirt, made a comment that Vance described as a “dig.”

“They’re reading out the names. But at one point, the president turns around and looks at Don Jr. And Don has a spread collar on. And the president’s like, ‘Oh, that’s a pretty wide collar there, Don,'” Vance said. “And you can tell, like, it just was absolutely a dig. So I’ve always stuck to a navy suit, black shoes, and a conventional collar.”

Madison is a writer for Fox News Digital on the Flash team.