In the days that followed, some of his supporters started sporting bandages of their own. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. The bandages go a step beyond Trump shirts and lawn signs, Dr. Angie Corbo, chair of communications studies at Widener University, told Business Insider. For supporters of Navalny and now Trump, this performative act of imitation is a sign of solidarity. AdvertisementThe ear bandages portray a different, softer message — one that could make his audience feel more connected to him.

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Persons: —, Donald Trump, MAGA, Dr, Catherine Nobile, we're, Angie Corbo, fkzGQECzme — Jamie Bartlett, It's, Alexei Navalny, Nobile, that's, Trump, Corbo, Corey Comperatore Organizations: Service, Republican National Convention, Business, Widener University, Trump, RNC Locations: New York, Trump, @JamieJBartlett, Navalny