Did you notice that Matt Gaetz, a former U.S. Representative, has found himself a new gig after his brief stint as President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for the Justice Department? He’s now venturing into personalized videos for fans on the website Cameo.
Honestly, why not? Politicians are practically pros at promoting themselves. Gaetz is currently out of a job, having chosen not to return to Congress despite winning reelection recently.
It’s almost amusing to think that 35 years ago, when ex-President Reagan bagged $2 million for a couple of speeches in Japan right after leaving office, it caused such a stir. A baffled columnist from the Chicago Tribune even compared the situation to the stench of old sushi.
But it seems Reagan was ahead of his time. Nowadays, barring someone like Jimmy Carter who said, “We give money. We don’t take it,” post-presidential cash-ins have become the norm. After all, the presidential salary isn’t exactly a ticket to wealth!
On Cameo, Gaetz, who stepped back from Trump’s Cabinet nomination amidst denial of allegations involving a minor, is offering personalized video shoutouts for $500 each.
That’s pretty steep for Cameo. For instance, you can get a personalized message from former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin for $199, ex-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich for $100, or Anthony Scaramucci — the Mooch — for just $59. Even George Santos, a past Republican Representative from New York expelled from Congress for fraud, asks for $250. U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert made a brief Cameo appearance at $250 and up, until someone realized it might clash with congressional ethics laws. Go figure.
Rudy Giuliani, once charged for his Cameo appearances, is currently unavailable, but you can still send him a message for $19.99 or watch his older videos. A personal highlight was Giuliani monotonously reciting “I’m a Little Teapot” for a child named Tim.
Gaetz’s Cameo introduction is concise: “I served in Congress. Trump nominated me to be US Attorney General (that didn’t work out). Once I fired the House Speaker.” This jab at former Speaker Kevin McCarthy seems like a continuation of their ongoing feud, especially after McCarthy recently stated Gaetz wouldn’t stand a chance in a Senate confirmation.
Either way, Gaetz is ready to help you celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, and more.
For instance, he shared this with a couple named Jack and Grace: “I love marriage. I’ve been married, I think I’m in my fourth year now. It’s amazing because of the specialization of skills. For me, booking airline tickets is a nightmare — all those numbers, websites. My wife is a wizard at it. Meanwhile, I’ve found I excel at things like taking out the trash, doing the dishes, killing bugs, cleaning up. Actually, now that I think about it, she’s using me as a maid. But you know, marriage is rewarding and comforting, so I wish you all the happiness.”
For a guy who’s still quite newly married, you’d expect something a bit more endearing or romantic, right?
Honestly, I don’t really get the appeal of having a video message from a celebrity I’ve never met, especially one who might ignore me if we crossed paths on the street. Apparently, I lack the starstruck gene.
In my work, I’ve met people from various industries — Hollywood, politics, and so on. Off the clock, my policy tends to mirror theirs: mutual disinterest. There was one slip-up with Donald Sutherland on a foggy morning in Santa Monica when I accidentally exclaimed, “Well, look at you!”
Every now and then, I might chat with a celebrity if there’s a mutual connection. This happened last spring in Malibu. I introduced myself to Caitlyn Jenner, whose ghostwriter was once engaged to a friend of mine. Her social media Trump endorsement was buzzing at the time. She was friendly and conversational. And her Cameo? A steep $2,500.
Amidst the political atmosphere where trans individuals are targeted by MAGA Republicans, it’s refreshing that Caitlyn Jenner stands significantly above the likes of Matt Gaetz.
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