In a bizarre political and cultural twist, a faction of young men within the MAGA movement is reportedly turning to dangerous drugs and radical bodily alterations, not to support their chosen candidate, but to physically resemble a Democratic rival they deem more aesthetically superior.
The Rise of 'Looksmaxxing' in Political Fandom
An emerging online subculture, known as "looksmaxxing," prioritises physical appearance above all other character traits, driving its adherents to extreme lengths to transform their bodies. This community, which intersects with far-right and hyper-masculine internet spheres, has set its sights on the 2028 US presidential speculation, creating an unlikely divide based on looks.
Influential figures within this group have openly stated they would vote for California Governor Gavin Newsom over Republican Vice President JD Vance, based solely on physical appearance, despite vehemently disagreeing with Newsom's politics. This sentiment was starkly summarised by online influencer Braden Peters in December 2025, who told The Daily Wire that Vance was "subhuman" while Newsom "mogs"—internet slang meaning to outclass someone visually.
Extreme Methods and Dangerous Protocols
The techniques employed by these "looksmaxxers" range from the moderate to the profoundly hazardous. "Soft-maxxing" involves improved grooming, skincare, and exercise. However, the pursuit of an idealised "chad" physique—a term borrowed from incel forums denoting a dominant, attractive man—often escalates to "hard-maxxing."
This can include professional cosmetic surgery and, alarmingly, self-performed procedures. Braden Peters, a 19-year-old who operates online as "Clavicular," has posted videos of himself engaging in "bonesmashing"—striking his face with a hammer to redefine his jawline. He has also allegedly taken illegal drugs like crystal meth to maintain a skinny frame.
Peters monetises this obsession through his "Clavicular System," a paid programme he describes as a "data-driven framework using experimental methods to surpass genetic potential." His exclusive one-on-one coaching promises the use of pharmacology, steroids, and "extreme methods" others are "too scared to even ask about."
Political Aesthetics and the MAGA Sphere
This fixation on looks has found resonance in wider MAGA-aligned circles. Notorious white supremacist Nick Fuentes has echoed Peters's views, labelling Newsom "handsome" and Vance a "fat subhuman," while praising Peters himself as a "total chad."
The trend underscores a preoccupation with hyper-masculine aesthetics promoted by influencers like Andrew Tate, which Peters and similar creators, with a combined following exceeding 800,000 on platforms like Kick and TikTok, are pushing into the political arena.
Ironically, the emphasis on physical appearance mirrors the behaviour of Donald Trump himself, who frequently comments on the looks of people in his crowds and derides political opponents with insults focused on their weight and appearance. Trump has previously called former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie a "fat pig" and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker a "big, fat slob."
Reports suggest Vance's own significant weight loss was a factor in Trump's decision to select him as his 2024 running mate, with the former president reportedly calling Vance a "handsome son of a b****" on multiple occasions.
As the next election cycle approaches, this disturbing nexus of online extremism, dangerous self-modification, and superficial political judgement presents a stark new challenge, where policy and character are being sidelined by a ruthless and potentially lethal cult of appearance.
