Trump's orange tan is thanks to 'good genes', White House official claims
Anonymous source rejects speculation president relies on sunbeds and bronzing creams
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Donald Trump's permanent tan is the result of "good genes", according to a White House official.
The US president is widely believed to top up his increasingly-orange complexion by slathering his face with bronzing lotions and spending countless hours on a sunbed.
But acording to a "senior administration official", who insisted on anonymity when speaking to the New York Times, he only ever applies a light dusting of translucent powder before TV appearances.
The suggestion that the president has "good genes" repeats claims made by Mr Trump himself over the years, including an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1988.
In 2010 he told CNN; "I was born with the drive for success because I have a certain gene.
“I'm a gene believer... Hey, when you connect two race horses, you usually end up with a fast horse."
The latest contribution to the popular debate comes after former aide Omarosa Manigault claimed in her book that the president fired a staff member for failing to set up a tanning bed at the White House properly.
Former FBI director James Comey also speculated that the "bright white half-moons" under Mr Trump's eyes came from using safety goggles.
In 2016 make-up artist Jason Kelly, who has worked with several politicians, said he was keen to help the president tone down the artificial glare.
"I know exactly what he does to himself — the tanning bed, the spray tan, he wears the goggles and you can see the hyperpigmentation around his eyes," Mr Kelly said.
Mr Trump's former boarding school classmates have also claimed that he used to "go to the beach" by screwing an ultraviolet bulb into a light socket.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments