In a striking turn of events, it appears the secret weapon in President-elect Donald Trump’s successful campaign strategy wasn’t just the art of the deal or his bombastic personality. No, it was his youngest son, Barron Trump, who stepped into the spotlight and helped target that elusive demographic: young men. Barron, often overshadowed by his more outspoken siblings, has proven his mettle in the political arena, garnering a whopping 56 percent support among young male voters, while Kamala Harris could only muster 42 percent of the same group. Perhaps young men are tired of being talked down to by politicians who don’t understand their world.
A PBS report highlighted the Trump campaign’s clever approach to connect with this youthful audience, whose political opinions are often shaped by edgy bro podcasts and social media rather than traditional news outlets. With Barron’s influence at the helm, the campaign tapped into this cultural zeitgeist by hiring a 27-year-old, Alex Bruesewitz, to facilitate interaction with this demographic. Nothing says “I understand you” quite like seeking advice from a millennial who knows what the kids are listening to these days.
Bruesewitz took his mission seriously, presenting a list of potential podcasts to help launch the campaign’s outreach. But in a plot twist worthy of a sitcom, Barron was called in for his expertise. When the young campaign aide had not yet consulted Barron, Trump amusingly insisted that he reach out to the teen. Turns out, the youngest Trump was not only in the know but hit the jackpot by recommending influencer Adin Ross, a choice that sent shockwaves through the internet as millions rushed to tune in. The chaos of the internet can be entertaining, especially when it’s leveraged by someone as unexpectedly strategic as Barron.
How Barron Trump Masterminded Victory – Young Trump Literally Told Dad How to Win via @WestJournalism https://t.co/gqgYBnpaLd
— 🌘𝓛𝓾𝓷𝓪 (@KristyM9) November 11, 2024
The podcasting strategy turned out to be an absolute ratings bonanza for Trump, with over 80 million views amassed from his various online appearances. From UFOs to fistfights, Trump fielded questions that would make most political advisors cringe, but he brought an authenticity to those discussions that resonated particularly with young voters. It’s a long-standing belief in political circles that engaging with people on their turf fosters a connection – and Trump, with Barron’s guidance, became the unlikely emissary of that concept.
Advisors to the campaign, including Jason Miller, sung praises of Barron’s contributions, suggesting that his taste in podcasts was nothing less than “ratings gold.” With his remarkable capacity to pull together content that connected with the youth, Barron has not only proven to be a strategic asset but also raised the bar for how candidates may engage with young voters in the future. A clear message is sent: underestimate young Barron at your own risk. The political landscape may just be warming up to the idea that the future of the party could rest in the hands of this rising star.