US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s choice of clothing while traveling with President Donald Trump to Beijing has drawn widespread online attention and memes. Multiple outlets report that Rubio appeared aboard Air Force One in a grey Nike Tech tracksuit rather than the dark suit and tie commonly associated with diplomatic travel. The image or video was posted on X by White House communications director Steven Cheung, who highlighted Rubio’s “Nike Tech” look. Social media users quickly compared the outfit to a grey Nike tracksuit associated with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro that had circulated earlier in the year, leading to comparisons such as “Maduro look,” “Maduro arrest look,” and “Maduromaxxing.”
One outlet also reports that Rubio denies any fashion inspiration from Maduro. Separately, at least one source notes that Beijing sanctioned Rubio in 2020 over his criticism of China’s policies in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. The comparisons relate to Rubio’s attire during the travel phase of the state engagement that includes a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
