Lauren Boebert’s big belly tattoo was revealed
Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) is known for making headlines, but her latest buzz stems from an unexpected revelation—a large tribal tattoo that evokes memories of Clinton-era fashion. A recently surfaced photo shows the controversial Republican congresswoman sporting the bold ink, which wouldn’t have looked out of place at a nü-metal concert 25 years ago.
The Revealing Photo
The image, shared on Twitter, captures Boebert enjoying time in West Palm Beach, wearing a dark-colored bikini top paired with leopard print bottoms. What immediately stands out is the massive geometric tattoo on the right side of her torso, showcasing a design that recalls the popular tribal tattoo trend from the late 1990s and early 2000s. These tattoos were particularly popular in alternative and rock music scenes during that era.
While it’s unclear when the photo was taken or when the 37-year-old congresswoman got the tattoo, Boebert is seen wearing what appears to be an engagement or wedding ring on her left hand. This detail has raised questions, as Boebert finalized her divorce from her ex-husband Jayson Boebert in October 2023. The couple, who married in 2007, share four children together.
The Tribal Tattoo Trend
Tribal tattoos, like the one seen on Boebert, were especially trendy in the late 1990s and early 2000s, often featuring all-black geometric patterns inspired by traditional Indigenous and folk tattooing practices. These designs were frequently modeled after tattoos from Samoan, Polynesian, and Maori traditions, though their appropriation in Western culture often stripped away the deep cultural significance behind the original designs.
Boebert’s tattoo bears a striking resemblance to motifs made popular by Filipino American tattoo artist Leo Zulueta. Zulueta’s pioneering work in the early 1990s, particularly his well-known 1991 set of tribal tattoo designs, inspired a wave of similar tattoos throughout the decade, solidifying the style’s place in the alternative scenes of the era.
Political Buzz and Social Media Reactions
The photo of Boebert and her tattoo quickly sparked conversation across social media, with users weighing in on her bold ink and speculating on the timing of the photo. The image was initially posted by Rep. Matt Gaetz’s wife in a show of support for fellow Republican congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who also found herself in the social media spotlight after a resurfaced video of her wearing a tight-fitting MAGA swimsuit from 2016 made the rounds earlier in the week.
As a public figure known for her outspoken views and controversial stances, Boebert’s personal life and appearance have often become focal points for online debate. This latest reveal of her tribal tattoo adds another layer to the public’s perception of the congresswoman, who continues to be a polarizing figure in American politics.
The Cultural Impact of Tribal Tattoos
While Boebert’s tattoo is drawing attention today, the history of tribal tattoos in Western culture is worth noting. The trend, which peaked in the late 1990s, often involved stylized and oversimplified versions of traditional designs without proper recognition of their cultural origins. The tattoos became a fashion statement for many, appearing in everything from music videos to Hollywood films. However, the trend also sparked conversations about cultural appropriation and the importance of understanding the significance behind the art.
For Lauren Boebert, this tattoo is now part of her personal story, joining the many other aspects of her life that have been publicly scrutinized. Whether her ink will continue to be a talking point or fade into the background remains to be seen, but it certainly adds another layer to the complex and often controversial public persona she has cultivated.
