On the bustling streets of Mexico City, it’s not unusual these days for passersby to do a double-take, craning their necks to catch another glimpse of a woman they’re convinced is the president. Some stop to snap selfies, others offer blessings or even launch into song. One retiree, Manuel H. Garza, summed up the country’s collective curiosity when he asked, “Are you the president?”
But the woman in question isn’t President Claudia Sheinbaum. She’s Tamara Henaine, a 33-year-old actress whose uncanny resemblance to Mexico’s first female head of state has catapulted her into national fame. Henaine, who describes herself as an independent actress, has become a household name by impersonating Sheinbaum in viral social media videos and a new theatrical comedy. Her journey, and the public’s reaction to it, offers a unique window into a nation coming to terms with a historic presidency—and the power of a well-timed impersonation.
According to The New York Times, Henaine and Sheinbaum share more than just dark eyes, straight hair, and a similar height. Their smiles, too, are nearly identical—though Henaine admits she’s been practicing. “I swear it feels like it,” she said, reflecting on her role, and adding, “I believe in destiny.” For Henaine, destiny has been especially kind during Sheinbaum’s first year in office, a year marked by both domestic challenges and international intrigue.
President Sheinbaum, a former climate scientist, completed her first year as Mexico’s leader on October 10, 2025. She celebrated the milestone by visiting every state in the country, highlighting social programs her administration has adopted or continued. During a stop in Juarez, Chihuahua, she announced that 13.5 million fewer Mexicans were living in poverty under her and her predecessor’s administrations—a figure that drew both applause and scrutiny, as reported by Border Report.
Yet, while Sheinbaum’s nationwide tour focused on social progress, some pressing issues were left unaddressed. Notably, she avoided discussing cartel violence and public safety, topics that remain at the forefront of many Mexicans’ minds. Adam Isacson, director of the Defense Oversight program for the Washington Office on Latin America, told Border Report that, despite persistently high crime rates, Mexico has seen a drop in homicides and fentanyl trafficking under Sheinbaum’s leadership. Still, concerns linger about her reliance on the military for domestic affairs and her push to elect judges—moves critics argue could politicize the judiciary.
Despite these challenges, Sheinbaum’s popularity is undeniable. Her approval ratings soared as high as 79 percent in 2025, according to The New York Times. This widespread admiration has, perhaps unexpectedly, benefited her doppelgänger. Henaine is now frequently mistaken for the president, often approached by citizens eager to voice civic complaints or offer political support. “Sometimes, people confusing her for the president lodge their civic complaints with Ms. Henaine, airing grievances about broken sidewalks or government funding,” The New York Times observed.
Henaine’s road to national recognition began several years ago, when she was cast as Sheinbaum during the latter’s mayoral campaign for a popular TV political satire. Back then, Sheinbaum wore her hair curly, so Henaine donned a wig to perfect the look, recalled Dulce López, one of the show’s producers. As Sheinbaum’s style evolved—her hair now straight—the resemblance became almost “identical,” said López. Henaine played the role for two years before the show ended, and then pivoted to studying psychology as a backup plan, wary of being pigeonholed as a one-role actress.
But the character of Sheinbaum kept calling her back. In 2024, as Sheinbaum ran for president, Henaine was cast in a theater show spoofing the presidential debates. She poured herself into the role, studying countless videos to capture Sheinbaum’s shifting demeanor—from a relaxed mayor to a more formal presidential candidate. “I have something pending with this character,” Henaine told The New York Times. “I wanted to humanize her and the character that I created is that side of Claudia that maybe people don’t see.”
To promote her latest show, “The Morning Laughter,” a comedic riff on the president’s daily news conference and her relationship with former President Trump, Henaine posted videos of herself on a mock campaign trail, mingling with voters, riding public transportation, and even interacting with an impersonator of Sheinbaum’s chief political rival. Some of these videos racked up millions of views, cementing her status as a viral sensation.
Henaine has met President Sheinbaum three times, including a memorable campaign event where they recited a slogan together, smiled, and hugged for the cameras. The video of that encounter has amassed more than 24 million views on TikTok and Instagram. Other prominent officials, including Mexico’s security minister and the head of Sheinbaum’s political party, Morena, have also met Henaine and recorded short videos with her for social media. A spokesperson for Sheinbaum did not respond to requests for comment about the actress’s growing fame.
Her resemblance to the president reached new heights during Mexico’s Independence Day celebrations on September 16, 2025. With her hair in a ponytail, a few touches of makeup, and a traditional Mexican blouse, Henaine looked so much like Sheinbaum that she fooled many among the 280,000 attendees at the main ceremony—the first such event led by a woman president in 215 years of Mexican history. Even when Henaine clarified that she wasn’t the president, fans clamored for photos. Diana Puente, who traveled six hours from San Luis Potosí to witness the historic moment, settled for a snapshot with Henaine when she couldn’t reach the real Sheinbaum. “It’s the time for women,” Puente said.
While Henaine insists she’s not trying to provide a political boost to Sheinbaum, she openly admires the president’s composure and intelligence. She’s also careful to keep her professional life separate, turning down offers to promote products as “Claudita,” her affectionate nickname for the character. “She’s the first woman to reach the presidency, and it’s a historic moment,” Henaine said. “There are going to be failures, there are going to be successes, and the system is what is criticized.”
As Sheinbaum begins her second year in office after a landslide victory in 2024, both the president and her look-alike continue to capture the public’s imagination. For Henaine, the role is both a career-defining opportunity and a reminder of the blurred lines between politics and performance in modern Mexico. And for the country, it’s a testament to the enduring power of representation—and a little bit of destiny.
