Why Donald Trump’s orange skin tone keeps changing, according to experts
From makeup choices to stress and health conditions, new theories aim to explain the former president’s ever-shifting complexion
Donald Trump’s orange-tinged complexion has been a subject of speculation for years, and now fresh analysis suggests his changing skin tone may be tied to makeup, lighting, stress, and even underlying health conditions.
Donald Trump has been a public figure for decades, but it wasn’t until his presidency that his strikingly orange appearance became a common subject of discussion. While Trump himself has dismissed suggestions of spray tans or heavy makeup—once attributing his glow to “good genes”—critics and observers have continued to wonder what’s really behind the look.
A closer look at the color shifts
Photo editor Emily Elsie, who has examined hundreds of images of the 79-year-old, shared her observations on Instagram. She compared photos from July 2024, following the assassination attempt, with more recent appearances.
“At first I thought it was just editing or lighting,” she wrote. “But I noticed his skin tone shifted dramatically depending on the environment—cool lighting made him look less orange, while warmer tones amplified the bronzer.”
Elsie suggested that during his early presidency, Trump’s makeup seemed designed for TV cameras, which often wash out natural tones. Over time, however, she believes more bronzer was applied, especially during periods of heightened stress.
Stress, campaigns, and makeup use
“When Trump looked under pressure, his face appeared more heavily made up,” Elsie noted. By contrast, after his debate with Joe Biden in June 2024, when Trump’s poll numbers were strong, “the makeup all but disappeared.”
Interestingly, Elsie says recent photos suggest the bronzer is now being applied to Trump’s hands as well. His team previously claimed discoloration was due to frequent handshakes, but it later emerged that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that affects blood circulation.
Elsie believes the changing appearance may reveal more than just vanity. “His look often gets darker at the end of presidential campaigns,” she said, adding that Trump’s evolving appearance reflects the pressures of public life. “He acts like many of us do when we’re insulated, insecure, or constantly surrounded by photos of ourselves.”
For years, Trump’s complexion has been mocked in memes and late-night TV jokes, but Elsie argues it’s worth taking seriously. Whether the changes stem from makeup, stress, or health issues, they offer another layer of insight into the man who remains at the center of American politics.
