DISCLAIMER: This article was first published on October 13, 2024
Donald Trump has once again sparked a media firestorm, but this time it’s not due to his political statements. Instead, it’s an unflattering viral photo that has social media users buzzing. The former president’s signature orange tan was on full display in an image where the makeup application—or lack thereof—created a sharp contrast between his face and his neck, leading to widespread mockery.
The viral image showcases a distinct line on Trump’s face, with his trademark tan abruptly stopping near his hairline, leaving the rest of his skin much lighter. This led to questions about whether his makeup team—or possibly his spray tan machine—had failed him.
Social Media Frenzy
The moment the photo hit social media platforms like Twitter (now known as X), users wasted no time ridiculing the former president’s appearance. A user joked:
Trump’s makeup has more hard lines than his immigration policy
— khushi (@milo_wapis) October 12, 2024
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Others were quick to pile on with similar comments, suggesting that Trump’s makeup artist might have been “trolling him” or that his “spray tan machine malfunctioned.” The hilarity didn’t stop there, as someone quipped that Trump wears more makeup than Kamala Harris—a frequent target of his attacks during the 2024 presidential campaign. The jokes ranged from critiques of his makeup application to deeper commentary on his appearance as a reflection of his political persona:
Haha his spray tan machine must have malfunctioned lol.. pic.twitter.com/BX5w9eBYv2
— GratefulHike 🌎 🚴♂️👣 (@gratefulhike) October 12, 2024
The Long-Standing Discussion on Trump’s Skin Tone
Trump’s appearance has been a long-standing subject of media discussion, particularly the noticeable “orange glow.” A White House official once suggested that Trump’s skin tone could be attributed to “good genes,” though it has long been speculated that his signature look is more likely the result of bronzer or other makeup products
Former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson provided some insight into this in her memoir, noting that during one public appearance, Trump’s makeup transferred onto his mask:
“When he looked at the straps of his mask, he saw that they were covered in bronzer,” Hutchinson recounted, as Trump appeared visibly frustrated with the situation
MEAWW News
Trump, however, has addressed viral photos and videos that highlighted his tan lines, dismissing them as edited or exaggerated by the media. After one such photo went viral in 2020, he responded:
“More Fake News. This was photoshopped, obviously, but the wind was strong and the hair looks good? Anything to demean!”
Business Insider
This continued public fascination with Trump’s appearance underscores the importance of image in politics, especially for someone like Trump, who relies heavily on presenting a particular persona to his supporters.
Political Implications of Image Management
While some might dismiss these viral moments as trivial, they do point to a larger issue in modern politics: image management. For Trump, who has always positioned himself as the embodiment of strength and masculinity, these moments of ridicule can undermine his carefully crafted persona. It’s not just about the tan; it’s about what that tan represents—a desire to control how he is perceived, even down to the color of his skin.
The internet’s reaction shows that, in the 2024 presidential race, even the smallest missteps—like a badly blended tan—can quickly become ammunition for critics. Whether or not this viral moment affects Trump’s campaign remains to be seen, but it serves as a reminder of the importance of optics in a world where every photo can go viral in seconds.
This viral photo of Trump has once again reignited discussions about his vanity and the lengths he goes to maintain his public image. While social media users had a field day mocking his appearance, the incident underscores the power of visuals in modern politics and how even minor details can fuel a frenzy.
Featured image via AI
