The New York Times quietly issued a retraction after it included deposed Venezuelan Dictator Nicolas Maduro on a yearly best of list.
The outlets published a midyear roundup titled “The 39-ish Most Stylish People of 2026, So Far” on July 7. The list gathered individuals from entertainment, sports, politics, and other fields whose appearances or public moments had drawn notice during the first half of the year.
Style, in the context of these compilations, often extends beyond clothing choices to include broader elements of presentation, cultural resonance, and how figures are perceived in public life.
One of the original entries was former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro. His placement related to a widely circulated photograph from January of this year, in which Maduro appeared in a grey Nike tracksuit while being transported after his capture by U.S. forces during an operation in Venezuela.
President Donald Trump shared the photograph on Truth Social, after which it circulated extensively online and developed into a meme. The New York Times had addressed the phenomenon earlier in a Styles section article headlined “The Sweatsuit Was Bound to Become a Meme.”
That piece noted how some online discussion focused on the clothing itself, identifying the outfit as a Nike Tech Fleece tracksuit that subsequently saw heightened public interest.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, face federal charges in the United States connected to alleged narco-terrorism. Following their capture, the pair were brought to Manhattan. Maduro’s trial is scheduled to begin on June 1, 2027.
The July list was later revised. An editor’s note added at the bottom of the article states: “This article has been updated to remove an entry on Nicolás Maduro. Read our Styles story about how an image of him in a tracksuit became a meme.” The note links back to the January coverage of the tracksuit image.
Other names that appeared alongside the original Maduro entry illustrate the range of the compilation. Actor John Travolta was included for his recent use of berets after directing his first film. Former Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau was noted for appearances on musician Katy Perry’s social media that presented him in a casual manner. Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu was recognized for a ribbon she frequently wears in her hair, described as indicating a playful aspect of her public image.
Coverage of the list has also referenced additional figures from music, film, and public life whose recent activities contributed to conversations about style.
Lists of this type have become a recurring feature in media, reflecting not only fashion trends but also viral moments and the ways clothing intersects with current events. In this instance, the tracksuit photograph generated discussion that crossed from political reporting into style commentary.
The New York Times’ Styles Desk has long framed its selections as encompassing more than conventional dress, incorporating mannerisms, self-expression, and the cultural conversations that surround public figures.
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