The “Tan Suit Scandal”: A Forgotten Controversy from Obama’s Presidency
Barack Obama became the 44th president of the United States in 2009. While he faced substantial criticism during his time in office, one of the most unusual controversies has largely faded from public memory.
U.S. Politics and Global Attention
American politics often grabs international headlines—especially with figures like Donald Trump in the spotlight. But during Obama’s presidency from 2009 to 2017, some scandals went unnoticed outside the U.S. One of the strangest involved… his wardrobe.
The Tan Suit That Shook the Nation
On August 28, 2014, Obama held a live press conference to address U.S. military strategy against ISIS in Syria. He stood behind the podium wearing a tan suit—an unexpected departure from his usual dark attire.
Critics immediately pounced. Pundits and media outlets labeled the look “unpresidential” and “too casual,” igniting a wave of outrage that lasted for days.
The White House Response
In the midst of the frenzy, the White House kept things light. A spokesperson remarked simply, “He loves that suit.”
Obama’s Own Take
Even Obama joked about the uproar in his final press conference in 2017.
“I was sorely tempted to wear a tan suit today,” he said. “But Michelle, whose fashion sense is better than mine, told me it’s not appropriate in January.”
