A new ambassador has been appointed, and online users quickly labeled her the latest “MAGA face.” Barbera Thornhill joined the Trump administration this week, stepping into her role as the Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. Netizens began comparing her appearance to that of Susan Dell, a billionaire philanthropist. Some comments on social media suggested that her look reflected a deteriorating state of affairs.
Barbera was appointed to a significant position in the fight against human trafficking. The Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, Riley Barnes, expressed pride in welcoming her to the team through a tweet on October 13. He noted that human trafficking is a serious human rights issue that exploits individuals for profit, emphasizing the commitment to pursue traffickers and support survivors.
Shortly after Barnes’ announcement, many comments focused on Barbera’s looks rather than her new responsibilities. Some users suggested that the administration was intentionally hiring people with unusual appearances to draw attention away from other issues. Others questioned whether Barbera might be related to Susan Dell, especially since Susan’s appearance had also sparked discussion following a recent White House visit.
This phenomenon was dubbed “the Mar-a-Lago effect,” as several commenters remarked on similarities between Barbera and Susan Dell, who is married to billionaire Michael Dell. Observers noted a trend in plastic surgery that they believed served as a display of wealth rather than an attempt to look youthful.
Barbera Thornhill has a history of charitable involvement and previously worked with Mother Teresa in India during the 1990s. In the past, she was nominated by Trump to serve as the U.S. ambassador to Singapore; however, her nomination was withdrawn following Biden’s inauguration in 2021. Her financial contributions to Trump-related committees were also noted.
In recent news, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation pledged $6.25 billion to support children’s investment accounts, aiming to assist up to 25 million children. Despite this generous donation, Susan Dell faced criticism from some online users who centered their focus on her facial appearance.
What are your thoughts on the comparisons being made between Barbera Thornhill and Susan Dell?
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Source: Bored Panda, by Gabija Saveiskyte