Sitting behind the Resolute desk, Donald Trump fixed his gaze on JD Vance’s and Marco Rubio’s feet. “Marco, JD, you guys have s—y shoes,” said the US president, consulting a catalogue and asking their shoe size. Rubio said 11.5 and Vance 13. Trump leaned back in his chair and remarked: “You can tell a lot about a man by his shoe size.”
The story is recounted in a Wall Street Journal newspaper report that tells how officials, advisers and visiting allies are quietly acquiring leather dress shoes courtesy of Trump, who presents them with the enthusiasm of a travelling salesman.
Cabinet meetings, lunches and Oval Office drop-ins can abruptly turn into discussions about footwear.
“Did you get the shoes?” he will ask colleagues, according to several people familiar with the ritual quoted by the Journal. Some have even found themselves trying them on in the Oval Office.
One female White House official observed wryly: “All the boys have them.” Another added: “It’s hysterical because everybody’s afraid not to wear them.”