Laser-focused eyes and tightly pressed lips... Trump official photo looks like a mugshot replica

As the official presidential portrait of Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States (right), was released, the expression in this photo has become a hot topic for resembling Trump's 2023 mugshot (left). Fulton County Sheriff's Office, Trump-Vance Transition Team. Photo by Trump-Vance Transition Team

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As the inauguration of Donald Trump, the President-elect of the United States, approaches, opinions have emerged that Trump's 'official presidential photo' resembles the mugshot taken when he was indicted in Georgia in 2023, drawing attention.

On the 16th (local time), the transition team preparing for Trump's second administration released the official photo, stating, "In four days, Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States." In the released photo, President-elect Trump has a cold and frowning expression, which is quite similar to the mugshot taken in Georgia in August 2023 when he was indicted for attempting to overturn the 2020 election results. The only differences are the tie color changing from red to a shade of blue, and the suit color shifting from dark navy to a lighter blue.

Previously, Trump was indicted in Georgia in August 2023 and became the first former U.S. president to have a mugshot taken. At that time, Trump slightly lowered his head and stared straight ahead with narrowed eyes. The mugshot symbolized Trump's dishonor as "the first former president in U.S. history to be criminally indicted," but Trump turned it into a "symbol of resistance" and used it as a means to rally his supporters.

Official presidential photo of Donald Trump, President-elect of the United States, during his first term in 2017. White House

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Axios pointed out that "unlike traditional official photos that show a smiling face under uniform lighting, this photo completely differs" and "evokes a mugshot." When Trump was inaugurated as the 45th president in 2017, his official photo featured a warm and friendly smile. According to the New York Post, one user on X (formerly Twitter) described this photo as "the style of a mugshot." There were also opinions that it reminded people of the ruthless aura of legendary American pro wrestler Steve Austin.

Meanwhile, unprecedented security measures will be implemented in Washington, D.C., where the inauguration ceremony will be held. According to local reports, the Secret Service (SS), responsible for presidential protection, will install more than 30 miles (about 48 km) of security fencing for this inauguration. Additionally, the SS will set up checkpoints to screen all attendees and deploy drones to monitor the security zone. On-site, 25,000 law enforcement officers and military personnel will be mobilized. Approximately 250,000 people from various sectors worldwide are expected to attend this inauguration.

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