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Political campaigns are all about creativity, and Donald Trump’s PR team nailed it by using influencer marketing to their advantage. It was their trump card for winning the US’s 47th presidential election, and nobody saw that coming.
Without a doubt, the use of data and analytics played a significant role in Trump campaign which shows the potential of influencer marketing. Yet, using influencer marketing platforms to win a presidential election is something extraordinary.
They executed their plan through influencers—YouTubers, podcasters, TikTokers and a digital-first strategy that reaches millions outside of the traditional news cycle.
Today, we’re breaking down how Donald Trump won the presidential election by harnessing the full power of influencers across YouTube and podcasts! A new phenomenon we have never seen before.
How Did Trump Used Influencer Marketing for His Presidential Campaign?
The Trump campaign’s presidential runs in 2016, 2020, and especially 2024 made extensive use of influencer marketing strategies to reach diverse audiences and amplify its message. Here are the main ways the Trump campaign leveraged influencer marketing:
1. Micro-Influencers on Social Media
The Trump campaign worked with micro-influencers who had strong, loyal followings on platforms like X (Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. Many were political commentators, meme creators, or outspoken personalities who could share the campaign’s message authentically and organically. Their posts helped amplify campaign messages and create a sense of grassroots support.
2. Support from High-Profile Influencers
High-profile personalities, including political figures, celebrities, and internet personalities with strong conservative or libertarian followings, endorsed the Trump campaign on social media. Figures like Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and various YouTube and podcast personalities vocalized support, attracting their audiences to the campaign’s platform.
3. Memes and Viral Content
The Trump campaign encouraged the creation of memes and viral content that supported its messaging. The goal was to make the campaign’s image and slogans (“Make America Great Again,” “Drain the Swamp”) prevalent online, creating a digital presence that seemed everywhere. Many pro-Trump influencers and meme creators on platforms like Reddit, 4chan, and Instagram pushed these narratives, making the campaign’s ideas go viral among younger audiences.
4. Alternative Platforms and Communities
The Trump campaign, especially in 2024, targeted communities on alternative platforms (e.g., Parler, Gab) where its base was active. Influencers on these platforms played a significant role in keeping supporters engaged with campaign updates and sharing “insider” information that fostered a sense of loyalty and exclusivity.
5. Video Content Creators and Livestreamers
Many influencers with YouTube channels and live streaming platforms aligned with the Trump campaign’s messaging, hosting debates, discussions, and “reaction” videos around key moments in the campaign, expanding its reach to their subscriber base.
By effectively using influencer marketing, the Trump campaign maximized engagement and spread its message across digital landscapes, leveraging both micro and macro influencers to reinforce its brand and message.
Big Influencer Names Who Collaborated With President Trump
Forget the 6 o’clock news that Trump calls them fake news. Imagine Trump sitting down with big names like Joe Rogan, Tim Pool, Theo von, David Patrick, the Nelk Boys, and 4 techy San Franciscan billionaires at the All-in podcast.
Each of these influencers has a unique style and audience that helped amplify Trump’s message and, ultimately, secure the landslide win to save the free and democratic world from the biggest danger – Socialism bordered on woke communism.
Now let’s go through each one of these big names and see how and in which unique ways they helped Donald Trump to reach this magnificent achievement after all the douts around him.
#1 Joe Rogan Podcast
Let’s start with The Joe Rogan Experience which is a well-known podcast show with over 18 million subscribers on Youtube alone. With his laid-back, conversational approach, Joe Rogan’s podcast allowed Trump to dive deep without the constraints of a timed interview.
Joe Rogan kicked off with a simple question that led them down an introspective path: Trump’s rise, the impact of media perception, and how media support shifted as he went from a super-loved celebrity to a fierce political monster in the eyes of mainstream media overnight.
The conversation flowed naturally, as Trump recounted his first run for the presidency, the influence of his show The Apprentice, and how even NBC executives tried to dissuade him from his political ambitions. Rogan’s audience got a rare, personal glimpse of Trump’s motivations—beyond politics, beyond policy and we all know how rare these moments are for politicians.
At moments, the discussion felt more like a historical tour as Trump shared the surreal experience of walking into the White House, giving Joe and listeners a personal tour of rooms like the Lincoln Bedroom. This sense of awe and respect resonated, especially with those who value tradition and historical legacy.
The topic then turned more serious: media bias. Trump explained the constant challenges of handling the media as a political figure, contrasting with his experience as a celebrity. Rogan leaned in, fascinated by the behind-the-scenes dynamics, and even chimed in on the power new media has in reshaping public opinion. For many listeners, this was a high point—a nuanced, insider’s perspective on the media machine.
Joe then steered the conversation toward law enforcement—a topic that resonated deeply with both of their audiences. Trump spoke on police morale, the complex dangers of policing, and his views on the defund-the-police movement, underscoring the need for more support and better training for officers. This was a powerful, empathetic moment that highlighted Trump’s alignment with voters concerned about community safety.
As they concluded, Trump reflected on the lessons he learned, his goals if re-elected as the president of the US, and his commitment to championing the issues close to his supporters’ hearts. This conversation wasn’t just an interview—it was an authentic dialogue that broke the mold of traditional campaign messaging.
In just one appearance, Trump turned skeptics into believers, connected on a human level, and bypassed legacy media to reach over 70 million global audiences who don’t tune into the news every night. This wasn’t just another campaign stop—it was a game-changer and it happened thanks to a well-known Influencer.
Influencers are the opposite of usual media. They are Influencers because people chose them and made them who they are and this makes them more impactful than any traditional Media.
#2 Youtube Influencer David Patrik and PBD show
In addition to Rogan’s show, Trump also sat down with Patrick Bet-David on the PBD Podcast, known for deep-diving into business, politics, and personal philosophies. This was a different kind of conversation—less about the cultural moment and more about the mindset and strategies behind Trump’s decisions.
In a more intimate setting, Trump shared insights on the issues he believes will shape America’s future—from economic policies to media distrust and his personal journey from businessman to president.
One of the most striking parts of the conversation was Trump’s vision for the 2024 election. He speculated on a potential shift in African-American voter support, arguing that disillusionment with past administrations could translate into increased support for Republicans. This was a standout moment, positioning him as a candidate aiming to bridge divides. The sole goal that not many presidents have achieved in the past years.
Trump also took the opportunity to criticize Obama’s economic legacy, contending that the economic success he achieved was due to his policy implementations, not his predecessor’s. This straightforward comparison resonated with Bet-David’s audience, many of whom are entrepreneurs and business-minded individuals.
Trump and Bet-David delved into the growing distrust in mainstream media—a topic Trump passionately attributes to his popularisation of the term ‘fake news.’ Trump’s assertive stance on media bias struck a chord with listeners who share a skepticism toward traditional media outlets. David explicitly called Trump a killer of mainstream media which is a term to stick for ages to come with most grassroots.
On foreign policy, Trump covered complex topics like sanctions on Iran, confidently asserting that his strategies had restrained Iran’s economic and nuclear ambitions. He also made headlines by declaring his confidence in resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suggesting it wouldn’t have happened under his leadership. This bold statement was a hit among listeners who value strength in international negotiations.
Bet-David also brought out a side of Trump rarely seen in traditional media, delving into personal topics. Trump shared his thoughts on his son Barron, describing him as smart and independent which we know is the mind behind many of his father’s campaign ideas. He then opened up about the anger he feels over the country’s direction, noting that it drives him more than any other emotion.
Finally, the discussion turned to Trump’s role in passing criminal justice reform. Trump highlighted his efforts to gain support from conservative senators, framing it as a major accomplishment that doesn’t often get enough media attention.
#3 Logan Paul and Impaulsive Podcast
Trump and his PR team didn’t limit themselves to professional politician podcasters. Since a huge portion of America’s votes are from the Gen-Z age group, they used a Gen-Z influencer like Logan Paul to grab their attention.
They used the power of influencer marketing to the fullest by being a guest in his podcast. Their video became one of the trending posts in no time and received millions of views. But they didn’t stop there. In the end, they created a TikTok video together which received an impressive number of 166 million views.
#3 Flagrant show
Moving from policy-centered conversations to a more laid-back environment, Trump took to the Flagrant podcast. Known for its candid, humorous approach, Flagrant brought out a different side of Trump as he shared personal stories, laughed along with the hosts, and discussed his family, politics, and humor in a way that was both relatable and light-hearted.
The interview kicked off with a personal touch as Trump congratulated one of the hosts on becoming a dad. Trump opened up about his parenting philosophy, discussing the importance of instilling good values in his kids and keeping them away from drugs, alcohol, and cigarettes. This was a refreshing glimpse into the former president’s role as a father.“*
One of the most memorable stories Trump shared was about his son Don Jr. throwing an unexpected party at Trump Tower. Though surprised, Trump praised Don Jr.’s resilience and toughness, shaped by years of facing political challenges alongside his father.
The conversation then turned to the challenges his family faced due to his presidency. Trump spoke proudly of Don Jr. and Ivanka’s achievements, noting the strength they developed in the face of constant public scrutiny.
Trump acknowledged that humor is part of his persona, a tool he uses to cope with the pressures of political life. This moment connected with the *Flagrant* audience, who value humor as a way to cut through the noise.
Then came a topic bound to resonate with Flagrant’s audience: Elon Musk. Trump praised Musk for his intelligence and boldness, sparking a lively discussion on the importance of public figures taking a stand on key issues.
In a serious turn, Trump shared a past assassination attempt, describing his frustration over the lack of investigation progress. He then speculated on potential international threats, specifically mentioning countries like Iran. Trump emphasized his philosophy of strength and negotiation in international relations.
Of course, no conversation with Trump would be complete without a bit of humor about his famous nicknames for political rivals. He shared his thoughts on why he creates these memorable monikers, adding a playful tone that suited the Flagrant vibe perfectly.
As the discussion wound down, Trump outlined his hopes for his legacy and his optimism for the future of America. He emphasized his commitment to ‘making America great again’ and his belief in the country’s potential.
The Flagrant episode ended with Trump speaking about his social media influence and his determination to address national issues. It was a unique moment of relatability and humor, showcasing Trump’s lighter side and his commitment to staying engaged with a new generation of followers who know the value of Influencers and listen to them as their own representatives. And Trump shows how well he is familiar with this new fact of our new world.
#4 Trump on Theo Von Show
On another appearance, Theo Von a super funny influencer hosted former President Trump for a unique, down-to-earth conversation. Known for his candid and introspective interviews, Von brought out Trump’s personal side, where he shared stories about his family, life lessons, and his stance on issues ranging from healthcare to border security.
The episode started on a personal note, with Trump acknowledging his youngest son Barron’s high school graduation and his fandom of Theo’s show. This set a warm, relatable tone as Trump delved into his family life, sharing insights about his sons, Don Jr. and Eric, and their mutual love for hunting and real estate.
Transitioning into sports, Trump shared his admiration for the UFC and its president, Dana White. He recounted the excitement of attending events with White, particularly during the pandemic when the UFC continued to operate. This sports segment showcased Trump’s passion for resilience and entertainment.
The conversation turned more serious as Trump opened up about his late brother Fred’s struggle with alcohol addiction. This personal story revealed the deep impact it had on Trump’s life choices, as he spoke candidly about his decision to avoid drinking and smoking entirely.
Following his personal stance on addiction, Trump discussed the broader issue of the opioid epidemic, emphasizing the need for greater accountability in the pharmaceutical industry. He highlighted his efforts to enforce hospital price transparency, a policy aimed at providing patients with clear information about healthcare costs.
Touching on the theme of corruption, Trump addressed the pervasive influence of lobbyists in Washington, particularly those in the pharmaceutical and legal sectors. He advocated for stronger regulations on lobbying to limit corruption and improve healthcare outcomes for everyday Americans.
Von then steered the conversation toward border security. Trump outlined his commitment to securing the U.S. border, detailing his frustrations with the current administration’s approach and emphasizing his plans to complete the border wall.
As the discussion drew to a close, Trump discussed his popularity and plans for the future, reaffirming his dedication to tackling key issues like healthcare and border security.
#5 Full Send Podcast
Full Send Podcast is an Influencer channel that is all about providing honest Information. They are no right or left. All does mattered to them was to provide a true vision of the election so people would vote. This is why their speech with President Trump was so important.
Trump goes on the show and shares a funny story about hosting college athletes, giving the audience a glimpse into his lighter, more approachable side. This wasn’t a debate—it was entertainment. And it was a hit with younger voters who connected with Trump in a way they never had before and brought them to this conclusion to vote.
#6 Breaking Points
Then there’s “Breaking Points”, a show led by Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti. Known for its left-right commentary balance, this was a perfect platform for Trump to show he could handle a range of viewpoints.
Krystal pressed Trump on economic inequality, while Saagar explored the impact of Trump’s trade policies on the working class. This balanced, respectful back-and-forth let Trump present his policies with nuance, winning over undecided viewers who appreciated the fair treatment.
We live in a world where fair treatment is becoming less and less visible. The mainstream media always has its specific direction and in this case, is always against President Trump. But Trump briliantly used this fact to his advantage and showed the young and enthusiastic generation that he can bring them the fair treatment that all desire. All of this was because of the Influencers’ platforms which gave him this opportunity.
#7 All-in podcast with Tech Billionaires
In a rare meeting between politics and Silicon Valley, Trump joined the *All-In Podcast* for an honest and open discussion. With the four hosts—each a billionaire tech leader—Trump tackled subjects at the core of today’s economy and global challenges. This meeting certainly chained how the upper class and billionaires looked at the 2024 election and how they want to move forward after that.
The conversation kicked off with lighthearted banter on San Francisco’s housing crisis, a familiar pain point for the tech giants. The hosts also recapped a recent fundraising event where each pledged a million dollars in Bitcoin donations, setting the stage for Trump’s take on economic policy and regulatory freedom.
Diving into current business challenges, Trump and the hosts discussed the regulatory hurdles facing tech and crypto companies, along with the impact of rising interest rates on real estate. Trump emphasized his commitment to deregulation, contrasting his approach with the Biden administration’s policies.
The discussion took a sobering turn as Trump and the hosts tackled the intersection of crime, high taxes, and declining quality of life in major cities. They highlighted how issues like organized retail theft and limited police funding have eroded urban centers, especially in California and New York. Weakening police departments is a major concern for Trump as he always mentioned the need to strengthen this important part of government to have a secure state.
On the economic front, Trump defended his tariffs as a strategy to balance trade with China and keep American manufacturing competitive. He also discussed his approach to managing federal spending, aiming to reduce the deficit by cutting bureaucratic waste and returning more power to states.
Turning to tech, the hosts asked Trump about AI’s impact on the future workforce and the energy demands that come with it. Trump voiced his support for nuclear energy, calling it essential for meeting the demands of an AI-driven economy without crippling energy costs.
Trump addressed foreign policy, sharing his thoughts on Ukraine and NATO’s expansion, and expressing his reluctance to involve American troops directly in European conflicts.
Addressing immigration, Trump proposed reforms to increase H-1B visas for skilled workers and provide green cards for U.S.-educated graduates, supporting the tech sector’s demand for talent while maintaining border security policies.
The episode wrapped with the hosts thanking Trump for his insights on tech, policy, and growth, expressing hope for more political figures to join the show in the future.
Conclusion
Each one of these appearances had its own taste to it. They weren’t just about pushing a campaign message. Trump adapted his style to match the platform: analytical on Timcast, funny and personal on Full Send, and open to all perspectives on Breaking Points. It was a masterclass in connecting with audiences in ways that traditional media simply can’t and in some cases doesn’t want to.
President Trump’s strategy wasn’t just about reaching voters; it was about building trust and showing the real, unfiltered Trump. By leveraging influencers, Trump effectively bypassed legacy media, proving that in the digital age, the voices that matter most aren’t necessarily on cable TV. They’re online, where people are looking for authenticity and listening to people who they choose themselves not some media president from its multimilliard mansion.
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