The New York Times apparently thought a deposed dictator rocking a grey Nike tracksuit while being hauled away by U.S. forces was peak fashion. And honestly, who among us hasn't scrolled through photos of captured authoritarian leaders and thought, "wow, that fleece is doing something for him"?
As Trending Politics reported, the Grey Lady quietly yanked former Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro from their midyear roundup called "The 39-ish Most Stylish People of 2026, So Far" after someone at the paper apparently realized that putting a guy facing narco-terrorism charges on a fashion list might not be the best editorial decision.
The list dropped on July 7 and featured people from entertainment, sports, politics, and other areas who had grabbed attention during the first six months of the year. Maduro made the cut because of a photograph from January showing him in a Nike Tech Fleece tracksuit while being transported after his capture by American forces in Venezuela. President Trump shared that photo on Truth Social, and naturally, the internet turned it into a meme faster than you can say "athleisure dictator."
The Times had actually already covered the tracksuit phenomenon in their Styles section with a piece headlined "The Sweatsuit Was Bound to Become a Meme." So they wrote about the meme, then decided the meme was so good it deserved a spot on the style list. That is some truly impressive commitment to a bit.
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores are currently facing federal charges in the United States related to alleged narco-terrorism. After being captured, both were brought to Manhattan. His trial is set to begin on June 1, 2027. But sure, let's celebrate his fashion choices first.
After the backlash, the Times added a tiny editor's note at the bottom of the article stating they had removed the Maduro entry, while helpfully linking back to their January tracksuit coverage. Nothing says accountability like a footnote nobody reads.
The rest of the list featured people you might actually want on a style compilation. Actor John Travolta got a nod for wearing berets after directing his first film. Former Canadian PM Justin Trudeau showed up because Katy Perry posted casual photos of him on social media. Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu was recognized for a playful ribbon she wears in her hair.
So to recap the range here: a gold medalist's hair ribbon, John Travolta's beret phase, and the outfit a captured dictator was wearing during his arrest. The Times Styles Desk has always said their picks go beyond conventional fashion to include cultural conversations and viral moments. But maybe, just maybe, "guy arrested for narco-terrorism looks comfy" is where we draw the line on cultural conversation.
At least Nike got some free advertising out of it.
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