On Sunday, Donald Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to share an AI-generated image depicting a potential new uniform for the United States Space Force. This move sparked a wave of criticism due to the uniform's resemblance to those worn by Nazi SS officers, according to reports from EFE.
Labeled as the "United States Space Force — Service Dress Uniform — Next Generation," the concept is said to draw inspiration from the "discipline and functionality of the Starship Troopers uniform," modernized for the "guardians of the space domain."
The attire is predominantly black and space gray, featuring knee-high boots, a silver-buckled belt with the Space Force emblem, a black military cap, and a Mao-style high collar.
Social media users quickly pointed out the stark similarities between these elements—the black color scheme, high boots, belt, and cap—and the uniforms of Adolf Hitler's SS regime, as well as the iconic outfit of Star Wars' Darth Vader.
Critics and media outlets highlighted the irony, given that the movie Starship Troopers (1997)—cited as a positive influence—was intentionally crafted by director Paul Verhoeven as an anti-fascist satire.
Verhoeven has openly admitted to drawing inspiration from Leni Riefenstahl's propaganda and SS uniforms to portray, in his words, "fascists who don’t know they are fascists."
The Space Force clarified through sources mentioned by Task & Purpose, a specialized media outlet, that the image is not an official design and that the formal service dress is still under development.
Trump himself did not specify whether this represents the final version or a preliminary concept.
Shortly before sharing the uniform image, Trump posted a photograph of the moon on Truth Social with the caption "the moon is ours," accompanied by a small American flag.
This incident is part of Trump's broader space agenda. In late August, he signed an executive order at Houston's Johnson Space Center to establish the United States Space Academy, likening it to West Point and Annapolis.
According to the order, the academy will train not only astronauts but also scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, public officials, and combatants, all of whom will be required to serve in the Armed Forces or NASA upon graduation.
This is not the first time Space Force imagery has stirred controversy. In January 2020, the institution's official logo was widely compared to Star Trek's Starfleet emblem, leading to a similar public outcry that Trump was also involved in on social media.
The presidential commission tasked with determining the Space Academy's structure, led by NASA administrator Jared Isaacman, has a deadline of 120 days to submit its report.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Space Force Uniform Controversy
Why has the new Space Force uniform design been controversial?
The controversy stems from the design's resemblance to Nazi SS uniforms, as well as the uniform of Darth Vader from Star Wars, drawing criticism from social media users and media outlets.
Is the uniform design shared by Trump official?
No, the Space Force has clarified that the image is not an official design and that the formal uniform is still being developed.
What is the United States Space Academy?
The Space Academy, established by Trump's executive order, aims to train astronauts, scientists, engineers, operators, entrepreneurs, public officials, and combatants, who will be required to serve in the Armed Forces or NASA.