Representative Matt Gaetz’s appearance at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee has become the latest sensation, but not for his political rhetoric. Instead, it’s his strikingly smooth forehead and high cheekbones that have captured the internet’s imagination, earning him the new moniker: Matt Gaetz (R-Botox).
The Botox Chronicles
Gaetz took the stage on Wednesday night to reaffirm his support for Donald Trump and to criticize President Joe Biden. However, viewers were more focused on his appearance, which many speculated had been significantly enhanced by Botox. The internet quickly erupted with jokes and memes, poking fun at Gaetz’s seemingly frozen expression and newfound cheekbone definition.
“Matt Gaetz (R-Botox),” journalist Peter Hamby quipped on X, formerly known as Twitter, cleverly altering the usual notation for a politician’s party affiliation and state.
“Matt Gaetz looks like he’s about to open a white tiger-themed magic show on the Las Vegas strip,” joked journalist Emily Zanotti, likening his appearance to a flamboyant performer ready for the spotlight.
“Gaetz got a little carried away with the Botox before his big speech,” Ron Filipkowski, editor of Medias Touch, commented, adding to the chorus of amusement.
The Gaetz Gaze
Matthew Gertz, a senior fellow at Media Matters for America who is often mistaken for Gaetz online, humorously distanced himself from the cosmetic enhancements. “I did not take Botox, please stop asking me whether I took Botox,” he tweeted, trying to clear up any confusion.
Gaetz’s transformation was so pronounced that comparisons to puppets from the 2004 action comedy film “Team America: World Police” quickly followed. “Matt Gaetz looks like someone from Team America came to life,” a Twitter user noted, evoking laughter from fans of the satirical movie.
Botox and Politics
Critics also used the opportunity to draw ironic comparisons between Gaetz’s appearance and his political stances, especially on issues like transgender policies and drag shows. “Using this much botox/filler is gender-affirming care, btw,” comedian Rohita Kadambi tweeted, highlighting the contrast between Gaetz’s appearance and his political positions.
“More Botox than every drag queen combined, mind you,” LGBTQ+ activist Matt Bernstein tweeted, underscoring the irony with biting humor.
Social Media users speculated on the amount of Botox Gaetz might have received. “I’m guessing 50+ units of Botox in that massive forehead,” one user estimated, while another warned, “Reminder to never get your Botox from Groupon.”
“Matt Gaetz with Botox was not on my 2024 bingo card,” another user tweeted, perfectly capturing the general surprise and amusement.
A Representative for Botox
The jokes didn’t stop there. Gaetz’s new look led to suggestions that he could be the unofficial spokesperson for Botox. “Matt Gaetz (R-Botox) representing the Botox constituency tonight,” one Twitter user quipped.
Late-night comedians also jumped on the bandwagon. Trevor Noah from “The Daily Show” remarked, “Forget policies, Matt Gaetz just needs to control his forehead! Botox is the real winner here.”
Political Theater
Amidst the cosmetic critiques, Gaetz did manage to deliver his political points, including a joke about recently convicted Senator Bob Menendez. However, his commentary was largely overshadowed by the Botox speculation.
Gaetz also recently clashed with former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, continuing their ongoing feud. When Gaetz attempted to provoke McCarthy during a CNN interview, McCarthy shot back, referencing Gaetz’s ethics complaint, further adding to the drama of the evening.
While Gaetz’s speech at the RNC was intended to rally the party and criticize the opposition, it ended up being overshadowed by his Botox-enhanced appearance. As memes and jokes continue to circulate, one thing is clear: Matt Gaetz (R-Botox) has set a new standard for political aesthetics and inadvertently become the face of cosmetic enhancement in politics.
