President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign saw a unique influence from his youngest son, Barron Trump, who played an instrumental role in shaping his father’s media strategy. At 18, Barron urged his father to move away from traditional news outlets and focus on popular podcasts that resonate with Gen Z and young male voters, a move that helped Trump secure support from this demographic.
As a college student and first-time voter, Barron shared insights into his generation’s media habits, noting that young people turn to podcasts, not mainstream networks, for news and entertainment. His advice led Trump’s campaign to prioritize appearances on shows like The Joe Rogan Experience and Impaulsive with Logan Paul, reaching millions of viewers who might not follow conventional media.
"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
Trump’s podcast strategy began with a high-profile interview on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive in June. The interview reached a large audience and illustrated Barron’s understanding of media trends. Trump was so impressed with his son’s insight that he asked campaign staff to consult Barron on potential podcast appearances, recognizing his unique grasp of Gen Z’s interests.
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
In August, Trump appeared on Twitch with Adin Ross, an influencer whose following includes many young men. During the stream, Trump acknowledged Barron’s guidance, revealing that his son had introduced him to Ross’s content. Barron’s influence became a central part of the campaign’s media outreach, guiding Trump to platforms with strong Gen Z appeal.
This focus on alternative media paid off on Election Day, with Trump capturing nearly half of the votes from men under 30. Trump also saw record support among Latino men, securing over half of their votes, as well as increased support from young Black men. These shifts reflect the success of Barron’s media strategy.
"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
Barron’s role in his father’s campaign shows the power of non-traditional media in reaching younger voters. His influence demonstrates how podcasts and streaming platforms are reshaping political outreach, opening new avenues for engaging audiences often missed by conventional approaches.
