New theories are emerging to explain Donald Trump’s notably orange complexion, a subject of long-standing public curiosity. The former president has consistently denied using spray tans or heavy makeup, with aides attributing his color to “good genes” instead.
Photo editor Emily Elsie has questioned the dramatic shifts in his appearance. She compared images from after the 2024 assassination attempt to recent photos, noting a significant change in his skin tone.
Elsie initially believed the variations were due to photo editing or different lighting conditions. She observed that cool light lessened the intensity, while warm light amplified the orange hue.
She now proposes a deeper theory: stress. Elsie suggests that as Trump’s stress levels increase, so does the application of bronzer. She noted his look was less orange early in his term and softened when he was away from the Oval Office.
A turning point was his June 2024 debate with Biden. Elsie states that when Trump was leading in the polls, the bronzer appeared to vanish almost completely.
Recently, she observed an unprecedented deepening of his color and that makeup now seems to be applied to his hands as well. His team previously blamed hand discoloration on shaking supporters’ hands.
Elsie concludes that his changing appearance, which darkens during campaign periods, should be taken seriously. She suggests it reflects the behavior of someone who is insulated, insecure, and constantly surrounded by images of themselves.
