The Mystery of Trump’s Orange Complexion
Donald Trump’s famously orange skin has long caught the public’s attention. Now, new theories may finally explain the phenomenon.

When the Orange Look Began
Trump has been in the spotlight for decades. However, people really noticed his unusual tan during his first presidency. The 79-year-old president has consistently denied using spray tans or heavy makeup. One official even claimed his glow comes from “good genes.” Still, the internet continues to mock his distinctive skin tone.

Expert Eyes on the Issue
Photo editor Emily Elsie recently shared her observations on Instagram. “Why is no one covering this very important data point?” she wrote, highlighting images of Trump from last year’s assassination attempt compared to recent photos.

Elsie noted dramatic changes in color. “In July 2024, Donald Trump looked like this… and now he looks like this,” she said, placing the images side by side.

Dramatic Color Shifts
At first, Elsie attributed the shifts to photo editing or lighting. “Trump’s skin tone oscillates depending on lighting and photographer color palettes,” she explained. “Cool light makes the bronzer less intense, while warmer tones make him look extremely orange.”

She added that Trump’s makeup once appeared tailored for television, which can wash out natural tones. Yet, she believes something deeper is influencing his appearance.

The Role of Stress
“When Trump took office in 2017, he was less orange,” Elsie said. “As his term continued, more bronzer was applied.” She theorizes that stress plays a role: “The more stressed Trump appears, the heavier the makeup seems.” Away from the Oval Office, his look often softens.

Turning Points in His Look
Elsie points to a turning point after Trump debated Biden in June 2024. “The makeup nearly disappeared,” she noted. When polls indicated likely victory, the bronzer vanished.

Recently, Elsie observed another shift. “We’ve never seen him like this. It appears he’s applying makeup to his hands now,” she said.

Health Factors and Makeup
Trump’s team initially blamed discoloration on “shaking people’s hands all day.” Later, it was revealed he has chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow from the veins to the heart.

Elsie added that his makeup tends to darken near the end of campaigns. She urges the public to take his changing appearance seriously instead of mocking it. “He behaves like anyone would when insulated, insecure, and constantly seeing themselves in photos,” she said.