President Trump shared a photo of himself on Truth Social holding a zoomed-in photograph of Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s hand and the so-called MS-13 tattoos on his fingers. Trump claimed the tattoos include the actual letters/numbers “MS-13.” In reality, someone had labeled the photo with a letter or number above each tattoo indicating how it symbolizes each letter/number in “MS-13,” the name of the gang.
For example: the first tattoo is a marijuana leaf, so it’s labeled with an “M” above it. The second tattoo is a smilie face labeled with an “S,” etc. spelling out “MS-13” across his knuckles. So many people have pot leaf and skull tattoos that its just a coincidence that they spell out a gang name. Besides, the tattoo labeled with “1” is a cross, and “3” is a skull, so it’s obvious they had to reach for an explanation of why cross=1 and skull=3.
Someone had shared the photo on X and MAGA was in the comments defending Trump to anyone who was pointing out that the labels were not part of the tattoos, saying, “He knows they aren’t part of the tattoos, he’s just showing how they prove he’s a member of MS-13.”
So when I saw the video of Trump arguing that the labels were actually part of each tattoo on his knuckles, I couldn’t help but remember how angry Trump supporters were that anyone would even suggest the President was dumb enough to think they were.
MS-13 Tattoos
Anyone looking at the photo Trump is holding in his Truth Social post can see that the labels were added on top of the photo. Particularly in the case of the letter “M” above the marijuana leaf. It’s on his knuckle, yet it’s completely flat. A tattoo would bend with the contours of the skin over his knuckle.
If you’ve ever seen photos of actual MS-13 tattoos on real gang members, you know they don’t use little symbols to symbolize and spell out the name of the gang. Real MS-13 tattoos are very obvious and leave no room for interpretation about what they mean.
I sometimes get such a severe case of second-hand embarrassment that I feel too uncomfortable to continue watching. This was one of those times. The interviewer tried several times to save Trump from himself and quickly move on, but Trump was not having it. He wanted to continue doubling down on his… cognitive issues?
…stupidity?
I can’t decide…
Author: Serena Zehlius, Editor
Serena Zehlius is a passionate writer and political commentator with a knack for blending humor and satire into her insights on news, politics, and social issues. Serena spent over a decade in the veterinary field as a devoted veterinary assistant and pet sitting business owner. Her love for animals is matched only by her commitment to human rights and progressive values. When she’s not writing about politics, you can find her exploring nature or advocating for a better world for both people and pets.
