Trump sparks outrage after suggesting MS-13 tattoos on deported dad were photoshopped, leaving many stunned by the wild claim.
Trump’s photo of ms-13 tattooed hand raises questions and online disbelief
Former President Donald Trump is facing intense backlash after sharing a controversial image of an alleged MS-13 tattoo on a deported father’s hand.
The incident occurred during Trump’s sit-down interview with ABC News anchor Terry Moran at the Oval Office on April 29.
Trump referenced an earlier Truth Social post in which he shared a photo of Kilmar Armando Ábrego García’s tattooed hand.
In the caption, Trump wrote: ‘This is the hand of the man that the Democrats feel should be brought back to the United States, because he is such ‘a fine and innocent person’.
Trump insisted the image showed “MS-13” tattooed on García’s knuckles, calling it proof of his alleged gang affiliations and criminal behavior.
He further claimed the tattoos included a marijuana leaf for “M,” a smiley face for “S,” and a skull and cross for the number “13.”
Trump stated that García had been convicted in two court cases involving violence, including an accusation of domestic abuse.
Social media users believe the photo was digitally manipulated
Despite Trump’s assertions, many online users and experts have raised doubts about the authenticity of the image.
The lettering “MS-13” appeared sharp and digitally inserted, contrasting with the older, faded tattoos surrounding it on García’s hand.
One user on Twitter wrote: “MS13 was photoshopped on his hand. The President is using false evidence.”
Another added: “That isn’t even a tattoo. It’s old-school Photoshop.”
A third commented: “This is like Wag the Dog without the secrecy. Trump literally photoshopped MS-13 on his hand.”
A Reddit user joked: “I’m surprised it wasn’t written in black Sharpie.” Others called the photo “tragic,” “mind-blowing,” and “nuts.”
Trump’s abc interview devolves into argument over photo authenticity
During the ABC interview, Moran described the image as ‘photoshopped’, presumably pointing out how ‘M S 1 3’ had been added to the image above the tattoos to explain what authorities thought they meant.
Trump replied: “And you think it was photoshopped? Don’t Photoshop it, go look at his hand.
“No, no, Terry, Terry. No, no he had MS as clear as you can be, not interpreted.
“This is why people no longer believe the news because it is fake news.
“Terry, he has MS-13 on his knuckles. Okay? You do such a disservice, why don’t you just say ‘yes he does’ and go onto something else.”
Trump refused to concede the possibility that the image may have been altered, further fueling public confusion and frustration.
Deported father denies ms-13 ties while trump doubles down on accusations
Kilmar Armando Ábrego García, the man in the photo, was among 250 people deported to El Salvador’s CECOT, labeled one of the world’s harshest prisons.
García insists he has no gang affiliations. Advocates say he fled gang violence and lived peacefully in Maryland before his deportation.
Community experts have weighed in, with one anonymous gang intervention worker telling CBS he had “never seen a tattoo like that in 25 years.”
Critics believe the image was edited to exaggerate threats and justify deportations, with the fake “MS-13” text added for dramatic effect.
Trump’s actions spark widespread concern over misinformation and political tactics
Trump’s use of questionable imagery has raised alarm over the spread of political misinformation and the credibility of public statements.
Online reactions reflect both ridicule and concern, with many questioning how such a manipulated photo made it into national political discourse.
Some fear that Trump’s supporters will accept the image as fact, despite overwhelming evidence that it may have been altered.
Others pointed out that it wasn’t just misleading, but dangerous to amplify false links between immigrants and violent gangs.