Anthony Scaramucci, who served just 11 days as Donald Trump's White House communications director, has revealed that the president looks like an open tin of Spam without his makeup - but still thinks he looks incredible.
Scaramucci, a financier turned political pundit, shared the insight during his time working up close with Trump. He spent an ill-fated 11 days as communications director during Trump's first term, following work on his finance and transition teams.
Mother's verdict on Trump's makeup
Speaking to The Times, Scaramucci revealed that his mother, a professional makeup artist, has strong opinions about the president's cosmetics routine.
"She hates Trump's make-up," he said. "It's like an orange bronzer he buys from a supply shop in the Bronx. He looks like an open can of Spam without make-up."
"He puts it on in the morning. Sometimes he reapplies it at night. It's a tanner. He thinks it looks fantastic, by the way."
Career after the White House
Scaramucci's sacking as communications director almost wrecked his career, but he has since restored his reputation as a popular political commentator, particularly on the podcast The Rest is Politics US.
He has been a vocal critic of Trump since 2019 and has told amusing anecdotes about his time with the president.
Recently he revealed how he was on the receiving end of a Trump tirade during dinner over seating arrangements, which he believes revealed Trump's true sentiments towards his wife Melania.
Dinner seating clash
Scaramucci told the Daily Beast's podcast he always maintained a good relationship with Melania, sharing a "good rapport" with the First Lady.
This seemed to annoy Trump, who showed his true colours when Scaramucci and Melania ended up seated next to each other during a dinner in the White House's Blue Room.
He stated: "For some reason I was sitting next to Melania. And he got pissed at me. He's a taller guy than me. And he looked over and looked down at me and he's like: 'Why are you sitting next to my wife?'
"And I looked at him and I'm like: 'I have no idea. First of all, do you think I made the place cards? I have no idea why I'm sitting next to your wife.' And I think it unnerves him when people have a good rapport with her."
Trump's own explanation
Speculation about Trump's complexion has circulated for decades. While most people reckon he applies a bronzer, the president has previously attributed his hue to energy-efficient light bulbs.
At a House Republican retreat dinner in 2019, Trump declared: "People said 'what's with the light bulb?' I said here's the story, and I looked at it. The bulb that we're being forced to use - no.1, to me, most importantly, the light's no good. I always look orange."
Critics and comedians have bestowed upon him mocking monikers, including 'Mango Mussolini' and 'Agent Orange'.
Spam was launched in America in 1937. The tinned meat rapidly gained popularity and is recognised for its characteristic light pink colour straight from the tin. It develops a golden-brown or reddish-brown shade when fried, grilled or baked.
Scaramucci's revelations didn't stop at Trump's tan. He also claimed that the president is universally disliked - even within his own circle.
"I have yet to find a person that really likes Trump. Including all of his family members. Nobody likes him," he said.
He went on to suggest that his own wife Deidre shares similar feelings, stating: "My wife hates Trump almost as much as Melania. And if she was here, she would say more than Melania."
