Is that Beavis and Butthead? Matt Gaetz and Jim Jordan photo op trolled, Internet says 'this is super insulting'
A picture of Matt Gaetz, the US representative for Florida's 1st congressional district and Ranking Member Jim Jordan, the US Representative for Ohio's 4th congressional district has gone viral. The two politicians, who made an appearance at the House Judiciary Committee closed-door meeting with Manhattan's former chief federal prosecutor, Geoffrey Berman on July 9, were photographed speaking to the press side by side. The picture quickly became an internet sensation and a subject of meme content, with the Twitterverse calling them 'Beavis and Butthead', after the '90s animated sitcom. 'Butthead' began trending after a user who posted the picture of Gaetz and Jordan captioned it as "who are these two? wrong answers only" and the responses flooding in mostly comprised of 'Beavis' and 'Butthead'.
Berman told the lawmakers on the House Judiciary Committee that Attorney General William Barr repeatedly urged him to resign from his position and take another job within the Trump administration. He warned that if Berman didn't oblige, he would be sacked. Berman had led the US Attorney's office in the Southern District of New York. On July 9, he testified behind closed doors before the judiciary panel. In a detailed written opening statement, he described the events that transpired and led to his abrupt dismissal from the Justice Department in June 2020. According to Berman, Barr had pushed him to step down from his role as chief prosecutor in Manhattan, and he was fired the following day after dealing to resign. Both Gaetz and Jordan were present at the meeting where Berman gave his testimony.
The trend also hints at the recent news of a 'Beavis and Butthead' reboot. The cartoon series featuring two teenagers as titular characters, engaged in various antics and were best known for providing their unique perspectives and commentary on MTV videos. They would focus on what they liked or did not like about a song or a musician's appearance in the video. Comedy Central announced on July 1 that it would be reviving the iconic series in a two-season order and some additional spinoffs and specials.
Twitter users on July 9, took to the platform and drew similarities between the beloved cartoon characters and the two congressional representatives. "Congratulations...you both are trending as Beavis & Butthead. #beavisandbutthead2020", a user said in a tweet, while one commented on the viral picture: "I'm gonna tell my grandkids this was Beavis and Butthead." Another added, "I think they have exact likeness to the main characters of Beavis and Butthead...you can't unsee that now can you?"
"It's weird bcs everyone compares them to Beavis and Butthead, but in this picture they really do look like Beavis and Butthead", said one user, taking note of their appearance."We were promised a new Bevis and Butthead. I guess Gaetz and Jordan are auditioning," a user concurred. "Wow, Beavis and Butthead have really aged. @mattgaetz @Jim_Jordan", one user wrote in a tweet, as a there added, "Second-tier Beavis and Butthead."
Some were unhappy with the comparison, saying it was an insult to 'Beavis and Butthead' to liken them to Gaetz and Jordan. "IDK... This was funny at first, but then... I dont remember Beavis and Butthead being as awful as those two d**kwads. This may be an insult to Beavis and Butthead," one user commented."Beavis and Butthead had so much more integrity, class, and morality," said another."This is so insensitive and super insulting. Beavis and Butthead are National Treasures. Why would you disparage them in this way?" a peeved user wrote in a tweet.