White House accused of editing Trump’s bruised hand in official Christmas portrait
The White House has found itself facing awkward questions after critics accused it of digitally altering an official Christmas portrait of Donald Trump and Melania Trump.
Earlier this month, the White House released a festive image showing Trump standing alone in front of a Christmas tree, prompting speculation about why Melania was absent from the photograph. Soon after, a second portrait was issued, this time featuring the couple together.
In the new image, the president and first lady are dressed formally, standing close and holding hands. At first glance, the scene appears polished and traditional. On closer inspection, however, some observers believe the photograph may have been edited.
White House Christmas
Attention has focused on Trump’s right hand. In recent public appearances, the president has been seen with visible bruising in that area, sparking speculation about possible health related causes. While Trump has appeared to use makeup on occasion to cover the marks, critics now suggest the bruising may have been digitally removed in the official portrait.
An X user known as PatriotTakes shared the image with the caption, “The White House appears to have touched up Trump’s hand for their official Trump and Melania Christmas portrait.”
The claim quickly gained traction online. Some users joked about the apparent edit, with comments such as “We need that hand to look fat and white, not fat and purple,” and “Holiday photoshopping.”
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Others were less focused on the alleged retouching and more on the couple’s expressions. Several commenters questioned why neither Trump nor Melania appeared to be smiling.
“They must not have the facial muscles that make a smile. Brooding faces for the holidays, yay,” one user wrote. Another asked, “Do they purposely look unhappy?” A third added, “They are so bad at this. It’s embarrassing.”
The controversy follows Trump’s repeated claims that he restored the phrase “Merry Christmas” to the White House, despite it never having disappeared from official use. As for the first lady, whose past holiday decorations have drawn criticism, the latest portrait may add to her complicated reputation when it comes to festive optics.
The White House has not commented on the claims of photo editing or the reaction to the portrait.
