Former President Donald Trump is leveraging alternative media to engage younger voters and share personal stories.
The Washington Examiner reported that Trump has been strategically engaging with alternative media outlets as a means to bypass mainstream media scrutiny. His endeavors aim to foster a connection with younger voters, a strategy that sees him conversing on platforms frequented by this demographic.
In recent months, Trump has appeared on various alternative media platforms. His itinerary included an interactive session on X Spaces hosted by Elon Musk and a live stream with social media influencer Adin Ross.
The significant viewership of these events, especially the interview with Ross, which drew 500,000 live viewers and accrued 100 million replays, underscores the effectiveness of this approach.
Trump’s appearance on the podcast "This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von" on August 15, 2024, was enlightening regarding his personal views and family life.
The podcast, known to be a favorite of his son Barron Trump, provided a platform for Trump to speak from the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, sharing insights into his family dynamics and personal convictions.
In his conversation with Theo Von, Donald Trump offered glimpses into his home life, notably praising his youngest son, Barron.
He revealed Barron's athletic and academic prowess, detailing his skills in soccer and his intellectual achievements, boasting of Barron’s anticipation to start college.
Further humanizing his image, Trump discussed the influence of his late brother Fred on his strict stance against alcohol and smoking.
"I had a great brother who taught me a lesson: Don’t drink, don’t drink," Trump recalled, sharing the sage advice he imparts to his children to abstain from drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. This personal revelation aligned with comedian Theo Von’s reflections on the detrimental effects of substance abuse, adding a layer of gravity to the discussion.
The narrative extended to Barron Trump, who appears to play a crucial role in his father’s interaction with new media platforms.
According to Trump, it was Barron's suggestion that led to the engagement with various influencers. "He knows you very well, he said, ‘Dad, he’s big,'" Trump remarked about Barron’s advice on engaging with popular influencer Logan Paul.
The strategy adopted by Trump seems to be echoed across the political spectrum, with Vice President Kamala Harris also utilizing social media influencers in her campaign.
Notably, influencers were incorporated into activities around the Democratic National Convention, hinting at a broader trend of politicians turning to digital platforms to fortify their voter base, particularly among the youth.
By sharing personal anecdotes and family details, particularly about his relationship with Barron Trump, and discussing non-political issues, Trump aims to craft a more relatable persona.
His use of alternative media venues like the Theo Von podcast underscores a calculated effort to connect directly with a younger audience, circumventing traditional media channels.
This strategy not only broadens his reach but also allows him to control the narrative in a media landscape that is often critical of him.