On Sunday, Donald Trump shared a proposed next-generation uniform design for the United States Space Force, taking design cues from the science-fiction movie 'Starship Troopers'.
Over on Truth Social, the president published a digital preview of the dark grey and black garments, with accompanying text describing the style as 'inspired by the discipline and functionality of the Starship Trooper uniform' and 'modernized for the Guardians of the space domain'. The Space Force has not confirmed that the design will become its official uniform.
The Film's Fascist Satire Makes the Inspiration Controversial
Based on Robert A Heinlein's militaristic 1959 novel, the 1997 cult classic film is set in a future in which humanity battles massive, insect-like aliens known as Arachnids across the galaxy.
Deadline notes that the choice of inspiration is notable because Paul Verhoeven's 1997 movie was a box-office disappointment and was intended as a satire of fascism. The film grossed about $121 million (£89.52 million) worldwide against a reported $105 million (£77.69 million) production budget.
United States Space Force unveils the next-gen service dress uniform.
— Peter Kappes (@XPeterKappes) September 7, 2026
Clean lines, space gray and midnight black palette, and functional details for Guardians of the space domain, collar insignia, sleeve patch, belt buckle, and rank examples.
Does it remind you more of Star… pic.twitter.com/vWEhhhw2lO
At the time, Roger Ebert's review pointed to the film's 'quasi-fascist militarism', although he acknowledged that these elements were balanced by 'an element of sly satire'. Ebert ultimately criticised the film for lacking human warmth, genius and rebellion, concluding that whereas 'Star Wars' was humanist, 'Starship Troopers' was totalitarian.
Ebert also reserved criticism for the outfits themselves, describing the look as 'a cross between Buck Rogers and the Archie comic books'.
Online Critics Spot a Star Wars Imperial Officer Resemblance
Online commentators also pointed out that the garments bore a striking resemblance to the uniforms worn by Imperial officers in 'Star Wars'. Current reports have documented similar reactions to the proposed designs.
'SWEET your [sic] going galactic empire! Let the Force be with you lol!' posted one amused user.
'Looking a whole like like Stars Wars Imperial Army Officer uniform,' another person concurred.
'Sorry, but that looks like a Star Wars Evil Empire uniform,' a third user chimed in.
Starship Troopers Director Wanted To Mock Fascism
Paul Verhoeven, who directed 'Starship Troopers', has previously explained that the film was designed to mock fascism.
In a 2018 interview with The Guardian, Verhoeven said he wanted to create a film about 'fascists who aren't aware of their fascism'. He also explained that his childhood in Nazi-occupied Netherlands influenced his approach to the film, including its use of imagery inspired by Nazi propaganda.
Trump's Space Force Has Faced Sci-Fi Comparisons Before
Trump's Space Force has faced science-fiction comparisons before. After the branch's official logo was unveiled in January 2020, observers noted its resemblance to the insignia used by Starfleet in 'Star Trek'. George Takei, who played Sulu in the original series, responded by joking that 'we are expecting some royalties from this'.
However, the comparison came with an important caveat: the Space Force logo's central delta design was based on the emblem of the former Air Force Space Command, which had been in use for decades before the Space Force was created.
In December 2020, then-Vice President Mike Pence marked the first anniversary of the new military branch by announcing that its personnel would henceforth be known as 'Guardians'.
The announcement sparked jokes from fans of the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' franchise, who speculated about a possible connection. However, the Space Force said the name had its own military heritage, tracing it to the Air Force Space Command's 'Guardians of the High Frontier' motto.
