Former President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron, is taking an active role in his father's presidential campaign by connecting him with right-wing influencers popular among younger voters.
According to MSNBC, the 18-year-old is helping his father navigate the world of online personalities in an effort to appeal to Generation Z.
The Trump campaign's strategy to engage younger voters is to counter Vice President Kamala Harris's growing popularity among this demographic. By leveraging Barron's knowledge of digital media figures, the former president aims to expand his reach and connect with an audience that primarily consumes content online rather than through traditional television.
Donald Trump recently participated in a video stream with controversial Kick streamer Adin Ross, a figure he learned about through Barron. In an interview with The Daily Mail, Trump explained his son's involvement in this new campaign approach:
He is — he knows so much about it. Adin Ross — you know, I mean I do — some people that I wasn't so familiar with. Different generation. He knows every one of them. And we've had tremendous success, as you know.
Trump emphasized the generational divide in media consumption habits, noting that Barron's insights have been valuable in identifying influential figures in the digital space.
The campaign's outreach efforts have included interactions with several contentious personalities. Adin Ross, for instance, has a history of promoting divisive figures and was previously banned from Twitch for violating platform policies. Despite these controversies, the Trump campaign appears to be prioritizing reach and engagement over potential backlash.
Other influencers who have been part of this strategy include MAGA-friendly podcaster Theo Von and social media personality Logan Paul. These collaborations suggest a concerted effort to tap into various subcultures within the younger demographic.
Reports indicate that Barron's involvement extends beyond suggesting online personalities. He has reportedly invited podcasters Patrick Bet-David and Justin Waller to Mar-a-Lago, further solidifying connections between the Trump campaign and right-leaning digital media figures.
This personalized approach aligns with a broader $20 million voter outreach initiative launched by Trump allies. The campaign aims to target young male voters through platforms like the pro-Trump podcast "Full Send" and partnerships with organizations such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
The Trump campaign's strategy reflects a recognition of the changing media landscape and the importance of digital platforms in reaching younger voters. By relying on Barron's familiarity with these spaces, the former president is attempting to bridge the gap between his traditional base and the next generation of potential supporters.
We did three unusual — and I don't know what you'd call them but it's a platform — with three people that I don't know, but three people that Barron knows very well. [He] actually calls all of them like friends of his because it's a different generation.
This approach, however, is not without risks. Many of the influencers being engaged have controversial histories or promote contentious viewpoints, which could potentially alienate moderate voters or draw criticism from opponents.
Barron Trump's role in his father's presidential campaign focuses on connecting with right-wing digital influencers to appeal to younger voters. This strategy involves collaborations with controversial figures like Adin Ross and invitations to podcasters at Mar-a-Lago. The Trump campaign is investing heavily in this digital outreach, including a $20 million initiative targeting young male voters through various online platforms. While this approach aims to counter Kamala Harris' popularity among Gen Z, it also risks associating with contentious personalities in the digital media space.
