Sexy tariffs, ‘Miss Impeachment’ join Halloween costume options

Impeachment, the college admissions scandal and even tariffs are all getting the Halloween costume treatment this year.
Costume companies are jumping on the public’s seemingly endless appetite for the latest political happenings by creating a slew of outfits that offer a spooky — or sometimes “sexy” — take on what’s going on in Washington.
Online retailer Yandy.com appears to be at the forefront of politics-meets-pop-culture ensembles for the creepiest night of the year.
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Among their Oct. 31 offerings is a “Miss Impeachment” number that puts the “formal” in the formal impeachment inquiry against President Trump announced last month by Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.).
“Is that the sound of a whistle blowing?” a tongue-in-cheek product description of the $80 get-up asks. The beauty queen–style peach-colored ball gown features a “Miss Impeachment” sash, a rhinestone studded crown and a silver whistle.
“Claiming collusion won’t get you any justice, but curves like these will get you sent down in history,” Yandy’s website says, offering a final impeachment-related pledge: “No quid pro quo required.”
Yandy is also selling a $60 “Sexy Tariff Costume,” which it notes is made in the United States, that pokes fun at Trump’s year-plus trade dispute with China. The sleeveless dress with images of money and the word “tariff” printed on it will allow the trick-or-treater to “be the hottest import in town,” the site says.
But for those who want to take a more scholarly route, the “College Scandal Costume” could be the right fit. The $70 duds include a crop top with “Mom of the Year” crossed out and “Inmate” displayed front and center. The scandalous attire is inspired by a widespread college admissions scam that involves Lori Loughlin of “Full House” fame and a bevy of other parents who authorities say illegally paid their children’s ways into colleges and universities.
Former “Desperate Housewives” star Felicity Huffman was sentenced to 14 days in jail last month for her role in the bribery scandal after she pleaded guilty to mail fraud and honest services fraud charges.
Lorenzo Caltagirone, owner of Total Party in Arlington, Va., says among the hot sellers in his store this year are an “Over-inflated Ego” costume that mocks Trump, depicting the commander in chief in a diaper.
But for Caltagirone, playing politics with dressing up for Halloween hasn’t proven as lucrative in 2019 as in years past: “This year, the political costumes and masks are not as popular for some reason. I have a feeling it’s because people are so fed up with politics.”
At Party Depot, web content creator Tony Hill says the demand for Trump pieces among costumed Halloween revelers waned last year. But now with the impeachment drama, sales are starting to spike once again. Trump masks and presidential piggyback costumes — $45 inflatable jumpsuits that give the illusion of the wearer catching a ride on the president’s back — are some of the top political items.
“It went down and went back up,” Hill says. “He is his own stock market when it comes to Halloween costumes.”
Sutton Dunwoodie and Jordan Lancaster contributed.
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