Donald Trump has refused to release his hand measurements, despite calls from a “bipartisan” group for the billionaire to reveal details of his finger length and palm girth.
The Americans Against Insecure Billionaires with Tiny Hands Pac is running a television advert titled Release the Measurements, which features Americans expressing concern over Trump’s ability to serve as president.
“If the White House phone rings at 3am, would his little hands even pick up the receiver?” a woman asks.
“How can he create jobs if his hands are too small to shake on the deal?” says another.
“When he decides to launch his nuclear war, will his stubby fingers even be able to push the button all the way down?” comes another query.
The advertisement aired on MSNBC and has been watched by more than 300,000 people on YouTube. The group has also launched a petition calling for Trump to “release the measurements”.
But Hope Hicks, press secretary for the Trump campaign, told the Guardian the details would not be forthcoming.
“I’m not interested in commenting right now,” Hicks said. “If the team has any input or would like to react I’d be happy to get back to you.”
Asked for her personal opinion on the size of Trump’s hands, Hicks said: “I’m stepping into a meeting, I have to go.”
The controversy over the size of Trump’s hands, specifically the length of his digits, dates back to the 1980s, when journalist Graydon Carter referred to the billionaire as a “short-fingered vulgarian” in Spy magazine.
Trump responded by claiming his fingers are of a healthy size, telling the New York Post: “My fingers are long and beautiful, as, [as] has been well-documented, are various other parts of my body.”
Nevertheless, the Americans Against Insecure Billionaires with Tiny Hands Pac is insisting voters need to know the specifics.
“With our national security at risk, Donald Trump must release his official hand measurements to the American people,” the organization said. “Only when his finger length and palm girth are public can the American people confidently cast their ballots.”
The Pac claims to be made up of Republicans, Democrats and independents, and “right-handers, left-handers and ambidextrii”.
There is no suggestion the Pac is supporting any political candidate, although Hillary Clinton appeared to be on board with its messaging on Tuesday. Speaking in Columbus, Ohio, Clinton criticized Trump’s “dangerous” plans for the economy.
“Just like he shouldn’t have his finger on the button, he shouldn’t have his hands on our economy,” the presumptive Democratic nominee said tellingly.
Katie Nguyen, director of communications for Americans Against Insecure Billionaires with Tiny ands, told the Oregonian: “We need to see the measurements of Donald Trump’s hands.”
“Preferably notarized from his physician,” Nguyen said. “Or live measurements on TV would fantastic.”
Trump’s hand size became an issue during the Republican primary. The billionaire defended their size during a presidential debate in March after Florida senator Marco Rubio questioned their proportions.
“[Rubio] referred to my hands: if they’re small, something else must be small. I guarantee you there’s no problem,” Trump said.
“I guarantee it.”
