<p>I will go out on a limb on this one. Never before in history has there been a police mug shot viewed so many times by so many people than the one of President Trump. It was anticipated that any mug shot of Trump would be viewed as a badge of honor by the fans of the former President. It was easily predicted that it would appear on an endless array of swag items – including t-shirts, key chains and coffee mugs. And that millions of dollars would be spent on purchases. Trump’s campaign would use them as fundraisers, perhaps even offering “signed” photos. One with a real autograph could become a very valuable collector’s item.</p>
<p>Now that the mug shot has been released, the flurry of interest – and the sales of mug shot items – will grow exponentially. Instead of raking in millions of dollars for Trump’s campaign and Political Action Committees, the photo is more likely to generate tens – and even hundreds – of millions of dollars. And most of the credit for the uptick in value goes to Trump himself.</p>
<p>Some credit goes to the Fulton County sheriff’s office. They take really nice mug shots. They are so good that they would qualify for professional business head shots or on a person’s Facebook profile pic. They are a far cry from the mug shots of yesteryear that make every defendant look like a criminal – especially with those numbers across the chest. Outside of the Fulton County emblem in the upper lefthand corner, you would never know they were police mug shots.</p>
<p>In Trump’s case, it was the pose that makes all the difference. He had to contemplate “the look” he wanted to achieve. Serious? Thoughtful? Smiling? In pondering the various options, Trump came up with the most dramatic mug shot most folks have ever seen – or even contemplated. In the snap of the shutter, Trump proved that he is the consummate showman.</p>
<p>With one expression, he conveys a lot. His steely-eyed look into the camera suggests strength and determination. Without a word, it says “I will prevail.” “I will win.” And even “I am coming for you.” In some ways, it is reminiscent of the famous “I want you” military recruitment poster of Uncle Sam.</p>
<p>The image was so compelling that CNN and MSNBC could not take the image off the screens for hours. Even when they showed the thumbnail images of guests and panelists, the Trump mug shot stayed on screen. I doubt that any mug shot in rogues gallery history has ever communicated clearer and more powerful messages to so many people. That is the image that inspires the Trump base and sends chills down the spines of his detractors.</p>
<p>It is yet another example of the through-the-looking-glass political world Trump has created. One in which criminal indictment creates greater popularity and a mug shot becomes more popular than Marilyn Monroe on the cover of the first Playboy Magazine.</p>
<p>It will become the ubiquitous iconic image of all things Trump. You will see it in the news, on social media and on placards carried by pro-Trump protesters. The closest competition in presidential imagery arguably belongs to the Matthew Brady photograph of President Lincoln that was used for the penny.</p>
<p>It is said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” That mugshot has already spawning millions of words – and will for some time.</p>
<p>So, there ‘tis.</p>
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The (Mug) Shot Seen Around the World
