Trump's 'bronzer use amps up' in times of stress, claims photo editor in viral social media theory

WASHINGTON, DC: A photo editor's theory about a link between Donald Trump's use of bronzer and his stress levels has gone viral, as per Daily Mail.

Originally posted on Instagram and then circulated widely on X (formerly Twitter), the theory has added fuel to discussions surrounding the former president’s fluctuating complexion. 

Photo editor details how Donald Trump's bronzer use changes based on his stress levels

The theory originated from Emily Keegin, a seasoned photo editor with an Instagram following of over 281,000.

In a series of Instagram Stories, saved to the highlight "Bronze," Keegin showcased what she believes is visual evidence that Trump's bronzer use changes based on his stress levels.

She pointed to specific instances throughout his career—especially after his debut on 'The Apprentice'—where she believes his bronzer application intensified.

One X user picked up on Keegin's Instagram post and shared screenshots with the caption, "A photographer I follow on Instagram has put together that his bronzer use amps up when he’s stressed/close to an election and is tied to his days in the rise of reality TV, and it’s fascinating."

This take quickly resonated, accumulating 758 replies and over 16,000 retweets as users weighed in on the GOP nominee's use of bronzer. 

Donald Trump's bronzed look may hint at his underlying insecurities

In her original post, Emily Keegin explained that she had previously thought Donald Trump’s bold makeup choices were designed solely for television audiences. As he transitioned from business mogul to reality TV star, the 78-year-old bronzed skin became a notable part of his image.

She speculated that as Trump's career continued, his need for bronzer shifted from a media necessity to a signature element of his public persona.

In one of her captions, Keegin wrote, "We need* to talk about the bronzer," before elaborating on her theory that Trump’s skin tone "oscillates wildly depending on lighting and the color palette of the photographer."

She shared several comparative images of Trump from 2017, showing him as visibly "less orange" when he first took office.

Later images—especially those from recent court appearances—show him with a darker skin tone.

She theorized, "The more stressed…more makeup," adding visual evidence from events such as his Madison Square Garden rally and debates.

In her theory, Keegin likened Trump’s bronzing trend to a "dysphoric state" seen on social media platforms like TikTok, where people may not realize how certain makeup trends look until years later.

She drew a comparison to "eyebrow blindness," where individuals may not perceive that their look is shifting due to trends or inner states, speculating that the former president's attachment to his bronzer might similarly mask underlying insecurities or stress.

"The presence of an exaggerated mask implies an ego in utter despair, desperately trying to hide and overcompensate for perceived weaknesses," wrote Keegin in one of the Stories. 

Pointing to his pictures from the day of the garbage truck stunt, the photo editor stated, "I can say with absolute certainty, Trump thinks he's losing." 

The theory about Trump's bronzer habits even connects with comments made by his former White House aide, Cassidy Hutchinson.

She once claimed that Trump refused to wear masks during the Covid-19 pandemic because they interfered with his bronzer, leaving unsightly smudges.

Having said that, the MAGA spearhead has repeatedly denied the claims that he uses fake tan and bronzing lotions.

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