During a Fox News segment where Vice President J.D. Vance was asked whether he’s eyeing 2028, viewers noticed what looked like heavy, “caked” makeup or broadcast smoothing on his face, sparking rapid online reaction and memes. (reddit.com) Observers debated whether studio lighting, on‑air retouching or actual eyeliner explained the look. (washingtonpost.com) Critics and opponents likened the appearance to Donald Trump–style on‑camera makeup, while political rivals used it for mockery. (thedailybeast.com) The moment intensified scrutiny of image management in modern campaigns and fueled social‑media satire, underscoring how appearance and optics now shape political narratives as much as policy. Major outlets amplified the coverage widely.