Conservative women are making waves on social media with a series of bikini photos, igniting a firestorm of controversy and support across the political spectrum.
The trend began when a video of Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna modeling a “Make America Great Again” swimsuit resurfaced online, prompting a flood of similar posts from other prominent Republican women including Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert.
The original clip, which gained traction after being shared on X, shows Luna showcasing her figure in a blue one-piece adorned with Donald Trump’s campaign slogan.
Daily Mail highlighted that the swimsuit, once available online for $39.95, became a sensation among conservatives during the summer of 2016.
Luna, who joined Congress in 2023 and is a member of the right-wing Freedom Caucus, quickly responded to the renewed attention.
“I’m confirming that I have indeed worn swimsuits and you can tell I am biologically a woman. #MAGA,” she posted on X.
The 35-year-old congresswoman, who recently became the 12th member of Congress to give birth while in office, also highlighted her previous modeling experience, including features in Sports Illustrated and Maxim.
The video’s resurgence prompted a mixed reaction, with some X users hailing Luna as the “hottest member of Congress.”
Others criticized her appearance as inappropriate for a public official.
Christian activist Morgan Ariel, for example, expressed disapproval, stating, “Anna Paulina Luna is a married congresswoman with children and still can’t help but dishonor her family and the country by stripping down half naked for the world to see.”
In response to the buzz, Rep. Matt Gaetz’s wife, Ginger, began posting a series of what she dubbed “thirst trap” photos of Republican women “patriots.”
One notable image featured Boebert in a bikini on a Palm Beach beach, showcasing a large tattoo along her side.
Ginger Gaetz captioned the post, “We love confident, healthy, patriotic women like Lauren.”
Boebert, who recently filed for divorce and made headlines for her behavior at a Denver theater production, has been vocal in her support for Luna.
The Colorado representative has faced her own share of controversy, including recent legal troubles involving her son Tyler, who was arrested in connection with a string of vehicle break-ins and property thefts.
The social media campaign also included a photo of Manhattan Republican Party chair Andrea Catsimitidis, daughter of wealthy GOP donor John Catsimitidis, posing in a bikini on a boat off the Manhattan coast.
Ginger Gaetz shared the image, calling Catsimitidis “another gorgeous patriot for your feed.”
As the trend continues to gain momentum, it has sparked debates about the intersection of politics, personal image and social media.
Supporters argue that these posts showcase confident, empowered women who can balance their professional roles with personal expression.
Critics, however, question the appropriateness of such displays for elected officials and public figures.
Luna, who served in the US Air Force from 2009 to 2014 before her political career, has been known for advancing bold ideas in Congress.
These include proposing that members of Congress advocating for military support in Ukraine should fight on the front lines and calling for the arrest of Attorney General Merrick Garland for not providing audio of a Biden special counsel interview, Daily Mail noted.
