Can Trump really not afford a better make-up artist

Donald Trump infamous orange-tinted appearance has once again sparked online chatter, with many questioning why the former president’s makeup continues to look so unpolished. Social media platforms, particularly Reddit, have become a hub of humorous speculation, with users debating whether Trump’s makeup artist is to blame or if the former president is solely responsible for his own look.

Some commenters suggested that Trump’s appearance resembled a cartoon character who had just experienced a comical explosion. References to Homer Simpson’s “makeup shotgun” scene from “The Simpsons” were plentiful, with one user joking, “Homer, I think you have it set to whore!” Others described Trump’s face as resembling a rotisserie chicken or an apricot mask fired from a T-shirt gun onto a ham.

Rumors circulated that Trump’s makeup regime is entirely self-administered. Redditors pointed out that during his 2016 campaign, it was revealed that Trump prefers to do his own makeup using cans of bronzer that he allegedly applies himself. “He’s doing it himself,” one user wrote, while another remarked, “He’s too vain to let anyone else touch his face.” This self-styled approach to makeup could explain the uneven coverage and the prominent orange hue that’s become synonymous with his public image.

Theories about Trump’s self-reliance extended beyond makeup. Some users speculated that his paranoia and distrust of others might compel him to handle his own grooming, including cutting his hair and even tailoring his suits. One commenter suggested, “He knows people want him dead, so why would he let a stranger hold a razor to his neck?” Such remarks hint at a broader view of Trump’s insecurities and his resistance to outside help.

Others saw a deeper psychological element to his choices. “He’s deeply insecure about his looks and his comb-over,” one user claimed. “He’s probably afraid someone will see him without his ‘armor’ on.” This “armor” appears to be his bronzer, which allegedly stains his clothes as well. One Redditor recalled a story from a Mar-a-Lago maid who claimed Trump’s shirts were frequently stained with orange makeup, suggesting he’s been using an outdated pancake-style foundation from the 1970s.

Many users mocked the bizarre loyalty of his supporters. One comment drew attention to the perceived hypocrisy in the MAGA crowd’s acceptance of Trump’s bronzer. “Makeup is gay, unless it’s Trump,” a user quipped, underscoring the double standards often present in political fandoms. Another user suggested that if Elon Musk began wearing bronzer, Trump’s supporters would follow suit, noting the herd mentality often observed in American consumer crazes.

For some, the orange hue has become a symbol of Trump’s persona—a tacky, gaudy rebellion against political refinement. “The tackier he looks, the more refined people hate him,” said one Redditor, arguing that Trump’s appearance serves as a deliberate provocation aimed at his critics. Another took it further, stating, “His war paint—it’s his signal to his tribe that he’s still fighting.”

Not all criticism was lighthearted. Some users pointed out that, with all his wealth, Trump could easily afford a professional makeup artist. “I’ve seen better makeup at a community theater production,” quipped one commenter. Another user questioned why Trump’s team hasn’t stepped in to improve his look, with one user bluntly stating, “He looks like his makeup artist hates him.”

Calls for Trump to switch to modern makeup techniques were also common. One user recommended he try a spray tan instead of heavy bronzer, claiming it would provide more even coverage without the infamous “white eye rings” that often frame his face. “If he’s going to look like a Florida beach dad, he should at least do it right,” one comment read.

The mystery of Trump’s makeup—whether it’s self-applied or the result of a dedicated, albeit misguided, artist—continues to be a subject of fascination online. His refusal to adopt modern techniques or hire a professional has left him open to constant ridicule. As one Redditor put it, “With all that money, you’d think he’d pay someone to get it right.” But perhaps that’s the point—like his politics, his look is as unpolished as it is intentional, reflecting a persona that thrives on controversy and defiance.