MAGA Hats Gain Ground in Australia Amid Shared Sentiments with Trump Supporters
The number of Australians wearing “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) hats is on the rise, with experts attributing the trend to a perceived alignment of values between supporters of Donald Trump in the US and like-minded Australians.
The iconic red hat, synonymous with Trump’s 2016 campaign and widely seen throughout his presidency — even worn by figures like Elon Musk — has grown in popularity among certain Australian groups. Despite differences in political systems, some Australians have embraced the MAGA message, particularly around themes of political disenfranchisement.
‘Anti-woke’ Symbolism and Cultural Identification
Wyening farmer Tobe McGill, who purchased his MAGA hat during a trip to the US, said it symbolizes pride in one’s country and resistance to political correctness.
“To me, it represents a love for the country and a pushback against ‘woke’ culture,” he explained.
While the reaction to his hat in Australia has been muted, he noted that in the US it was often met with support.
Surging Sales — With a Twist
Perth costume retailer Hurly Burly has sold out of MAGA hats multiple times since the 2024 US election. General manager De Williams noted that many buyers purchase the hats for comedic or themed events, not necessarily as political endorsements.
Experts: A Mix of Irony and Ideology
Gordon Flake from the Perth USAsia Centre said some Australians wear MAGA hats as a joke, while others see it as a genuine expression of shared ideology.
“It’s a kind of declaration of kinship with Trump supporters,” he said.
Despite that, he argued Australia’s political environment — especially due to compulsory voting — makes it less likely for MAGA-style politics to gain real traction.
Rural Support and Political Frustration
Steven McGuire, a farmer from Kojonup, said while he doesn’t fully endorse Trump’s behaviour, he respects many of his policies. He described his support as pragmatic rather than ideological.
“I take him seriously, not literally,” McGuire said, echoing a phrase popular among Trump backers.
While he doesn’t expect MAGA-style politics to dominate Australia, McGuire believes Trump has empowered people who previously felt silenced.
“He’s helped people express their beliefs openly, where they might have once kept quiet.”
