President-elect Donald Trump’s path to victory in 2024 was influenced by his youngest son, Barron Trump, who helped reshape the campaign’s approach to media engagement. At just 18, Barron used his knowledge of popular podcasts to guide his father toward platforms that resonate with Gen Z men, making a critical difference in reaching new voters.
Barron Trump, a freshman at New York University, advised his father that traditional news outlets are not the primary source of information for his generation. Instead, podcasts have become the go-to medium for entertainment and news. This insight led to President-elect Trump appearing on influential podcasts such as The Joe Rogan Experience and Impaulsive, where he connected with younger audiences.
"Did Barron Trump win the election? Double-digit gains in young voters prove Trump's flurry of podcast appearances paid off" – Blaze Media #SmartNews https://t.co/QE9pfIOj4R
— BJ Rodrigue (@rodrigue_bj) November 7, 2024
The campaign’s pivot to podcasts paid off, with Trump making more than a dozen
appearances on various shows. Barron’s guidance was key—Trump even asked his staff to consult Barron on which podcasts to pursue. In June, Trump joined Logan Paul for an interview that generated millions of views, highlighting the impact of this media strategy.
The election has shown that the future of political campaigning might increasingly lean on influencers, podcasters, and digital media strategists like Barron Trump, rather than solely on traditional media and ground campaigns. #Election2024 #TrumpVictory pic.twitter.com/RJw3t6OaxQ
— Burning Box (@BurningBox04) November 7, 2024
Trump also engaged with younger audiences through Twitch, appearing on a stream with Adin Ross, where he acknowledged that his sons, including Barron, had introduced him to Ross’s content. Barron’s influence extended throughout the campaign, as he continued to provide input on media opportunities, ensuring that Trump targeted platforms with substantial followings among young men.
"Barron Trump is a very bright 18-year-old who played a big part in his father’s stunning victory". – Nigel Farage MP Leader of Reform UK. MP for Clacton. 🇬🇧
At Mar-A-Lago, waiting for the results of the Presidential Election. pic.twitter.com/QytjXKuhGk
— CR 🌷 (@CarmenInUSA) November 7, 2024
This strategy helped Trump gain nearly half of the under-30 male vote, a notable improvement from 2020. The Democrats’ previous 24-point advantage among young voters shrank to just 11 points, reflecting Trump’s expanded appeal. Additionally, Trump saw record support from Latino men, with 54% voting for him, and significant gains among young Black men.
Barron’s contributions to his father’s campaign strategy underscore the effectiveness of reaching voters through non-traditional media. By embracing podcasts and alternative platforms, Trump was able to connect with younger audiences and turn the tide in a demographic that had previously leaned toward Democrats.
