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Is it natural, or is it the infamous Mar-a-Lago makeover? Matt Gaetz is no stranger to the spotlight, often finding himself ensnared in controversy. His track record includes being investigated for sex trafficking, whispers of a possibly staged marriage to Ginger Gaetz, and persistent rumors of an affair with Lauren Boebert. With a list of detractors that includes celebrities and fellow politicians, Gaetz’s polarizing presence is undeniable. Yet, it’s his frequently altered appearance that draws significant attention, presenting what many consider one of the more extreme transformations within the GOP’s ranks.
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Corey L. Hartman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist who has not treated Gaetz, shared insights with Esquire about Gaetz’s version of the conservative-meets-Palm Beach look, dubbing it a glaring example of the “if you can’t tone it, tan it” approach. Dr. Hartman criticized the execution for its “overly heavy hand and poor placement.” In the world of Mar-a-Lago aesthetics, precision is key—even in excess. “It’s too heavy in the forehead and not lateral enough to prevent Spock Eye,” Dr. Hartman explained. Additionally, he noted that the technique used for Gaetz’s glabellar injections, which target the vertical lines between the eyebrows, is outdated and inadvertently gives him a more intimidating appearance. The noticeable droop in his eyelids adds to the botched impression.
Board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, M.D., who has not treated the politician, told Esquire that Gaetz’s particular rendition of the conservative-meets-Palm Beach “if you can’t tone it, tan it” aesthetic is particularly egregious because of its “overly heavy hand and poor placement.” That’s right. In a Mar-a-Lago world where more is more, it’s still absolutely essential to inject, nip, or tuck the stuff in the precise spot. (Just ask Kimberly Guilfoyle and her melting face filler.) “It’s too heavy in the forehead and not lateral enough to prevent Spock Eye,” Dr. Hartman advised. “Plus, the glabellar injections [the vertical lines between the eyebrows] use an older technique that pushes the brow down and makes him look more menacing than usual,” he added, noting the way in which Gaetz’s eyelids were dramatically drooping. Cue the world’s tiniest violin for Gaetz and his botched work.
Gaetz’s revamped appearance hasn’t gone unnoticed, sparking commentary across social media. “There’s weird. And then there’s Matt Gaetz’s new convention face weird,” commented one user on X following his heated speech. Another user joked, “The big news out of the convention tonight is Matt Gaetz’s new face. Well done, GOP!”
Matt Gaetz is one of many who ordered the Mar-a-Lago special
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Gaetz is not alone in his quest to align his look with the Trump-era aesthetic. Kristi Noem’s noticeable transformation has become synonymous with the Mar-a-Lago style, complete with oversized lips. Likewise, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has garnered attention for her own Mar-a-Lago makeover. Perhaps these figures could benefit from a support group, meeting every Wednesday in Leavitt’s newly acquired West Wing office? Just a suggestion.
As one can imagine, many had thoughts on Gaetz’s new look. “There’s weird. And then there’s Matt Gaetz’s new convention face weird,” one X user wrote following Gaetz’s fiery, rabble-rousing speech. Meanwhile, another user quipped, “The big news out of the convention tonight is Matt Gaetz new face. Well done, GOP!”
Unfortunately, Gaetz is not the first, nor will he probably be the last, to alter his image to fit in with President Trump and the broader MAGA world. Poor Kristi Noem’s jarring transformation has become the mold for the Mar-a-Lago face, pufferfish lips and all. Meanwhile, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s Mar-a-Lago face has also ignited a fiery storm all her own. Perhaps they could all form a support group? Every Wednesday morning in Leavitt’s new top-tier office in the West Wing? Just a thought.
