Behind Donald Trump’s internet-breaking success on podcasts popular with younger audiences is none other than his youngest son, Barron Trump. At just 18, Barron has reportedly taken on a key role in his father’s campaign, advising him to appear on digital platforms that attract Gen Z and millennial viewers—recommendations that have proven to be viral gold.
Though Barron hasn’t been a regular presence at his father’s rallies, his influence is felt online. According to a senior campaign advisor, Barron was instrumental in suggesting Trump’s appearance on several top podcasts, including Logan Paul’s Impaulsive and This Past Weekend with Theo Von, both of which saw millions of views. Campaign advisor Jason Miller praised the teenager, saying, “Every single recommendation he’s had has turned out to be absolute ratings gold that’s broke the internet.”
Trump’s August 20 appearance on Theo Von’s podcast, where he opened with a nod to Barron’s influence, became his most successful podcast yet, racking up over 14 million views. Meanwhile, his June interview on Impaulsive drew 6.68 million viewers, and his recent sit-down with comedian Andrew Schulz on Fragrant garnered 6.2 million. As Trump’s campaign gains momentum, his appearance on Joe Rogan’s The Joe Rogan Experience, one of the most-followed podcasts globally, is expected to continue the trend of record-breaking numbers.
The Trump campaign has focused on using these non-traditional media platforms to reach voters in places where they already engage. Miller explained, “When you look at the impact of podcasts or YouTube shows…you’re meeting voters where they’re at.” Campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt noted that Trump’s relatability has helped amplify his message online, adding, “Everything he does is a viral moment…whether he’s just simply walking into a Chick-fil-A or flipping burgers at a tailgate.”
In contrast, Vice President Kamala Harris’s attempts to reach young voters through digital platforms have seen more modest results. Harris’s October interview on The Shade Room amassed 144,000 views, while her Call Her Daddy appearance gathered 675,000 views—significant, but not the viral success the Trump campaign has seen.
As the race heats up, Trump is currently leading Harris in several recent polls. A Wall Street Journal poll shows him with a three-point edge nationally, while surveys in battleground states reveal a narrow but steady lead. The focus on economic issues appears to be giving Trump an advantage, with 42 percent of voters saying they would be better off financially if Trump wins, compared to 24 percent for Harris.
Barron’s behind-the-scenes role in steering his father’s digital strategy has brought fresh energy to Trump’s 2024 campaign. His knack for tapping into Gen Z’s preferred platforms is helping the former president stay connected with a new generation of voters, and his influence is likely to continue shaping Trump’s online presence as the race progresses. With Election Day approaching, can Barron’s viral strategy keep propelling Trump forward, or will Harris manage to bridge the digital divide with younger voters? The answer could play a decisive role in the race for the White House.
