Trump Shares New Space Force Uniform Concept That Critics Say Looks Like Star Wars Villains

US President Donald Trump has drawn online criticism after sharing a concept for a proposed United States Space Force uniform on Truth Social. Some social media users started to compare the dark military-style outfit to costumes worn by villains in science fiction films, such as Star Wars.

The design features a charcoal-coloured jacket and trousers, black boots, a black belt and a peaked cap, with the Space Force Delta emblem present in several places. Trump shared the concept on his Truth Social account on Sunday, 6 September, presenting it as a 'next generation' design for the military branch responsible for US operations in the space domain.

The accompanying graphic said the concept drew inspiration from 'the discipline and functionality of the Starship Trooper uniform.' Starship Troopers refers to the 1997 sci-fi film directed by Paul Verhoeven.

Star Wars Comparisons Spread Across Social Media

The design quickly became the topic of mockery on social media platforms. Some users say the concept's dark colours, structured jacket, peaked cap and boots give the uniform the appearance of an authoritarian force from a sci-fi film.

Some specifically compared the outfit to officers from the Galactic Empire in Star Wars, while others drew comparisons with historical military clothing associated with authoritarian regimes.

The comparisons also drew attention to the film cited as the design's inspiration. Its graphics state that the design is 'inspired by the discipline and functionality of the Starship Trooper uniform. Modernized for the guardians of the space domain.' Starship Troopers, a 1997 film that starred young Denise Richards and Neil Patrick Harris, depicts a militarised future society.

It has long been discussed for its deliberate use of imagery associated with authoritarian regimes. Director Paul Verhoeven has previously explained that the film was intended as a satire of fascism and militarism, and not a straightforward celebration of them.

Space Force Already Has Its Own Uniform

The Space Force formally introduced its own service dress uniform in January 2026 as part of efforts to establish a distinct visual identity for the military branch, replacing the modified Air Force uniform that Guardians had used since the Space Force was established.

The existing Space Force service dress was developed through extensive testing and feedback from Guardians. Gen. Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations, said the uniform was designed to represent the 'unique identity' of Guardians, adding that feedback from personnel had shaped its design and fit.

'Our service dress uniform represents the unique identity of Guardians, blending heritage with a modern design that reflects our unity and mission,' Gen. Saltzman said. 'From the start, Guardian feedback shaped its design and fit. I know the force will wear it with pride.'

Is Trump's Concept Official?

It remains unclear whether the uniform revealed by Trump represents a formal proposal to replace the Space Force's current service dress or whether it was shared primarily as a concept.

The Space Force's published guidance currently covers the service dress uniform formally introduced earlier this year. The guidance does not establish that Trump's newly shared concept has been adopted as the branch's official uniform.