Trump’s 2024 Campaign: The Power of Podcasts

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – As the 2024 election cycle unfolds, President-elect Trump has embraced the world of podcasts to rally support, particularly among young men who have shifted their political leanings rightward in recent years. This strategy played a crucial role in delivering a massive victory for Trump.

Rallying Support from the Podium

“I want to thank some people real quick,” declared Dana White, CEO of UFC, from the podium on election night as he celebrated Trump’s success. He thanked a roster of podcasters who had joined Trump on the campaign trail, including the Nelk Boys, Aidan Ross, Theo Von, and the renowned Joe Rogan. This acknowledgment highlighted the growing significance of podcasting as a medium for political discourse.

The Shift to Podcasting: A Strategic Move

In March 2022, ahead of President Biden’s expected exit from the 2024 race and amidst serious challenges, including two assassination attempts, Trump made his debut in the podcast realm by appearing on “Full Send,” a show hosted by the Nelk Boys. This appearance marked Trump’s conscious effort to connect with a young male demographic, much of which has become increasingly engaged in politics.

Inside the Nelk Boys Interview

During his first podcast interview, Trump shared insights into his life beyond the political sphere. He discussed his golf game, favorite campaign songs like “YMCA” and “Hold On, I’m Coming,” and critiqued the Biden administration’s handling of major issues, including COVID-19 and relations with Russia. His thoughts turned contentious when he acknowledged the likelihood of social media censorship during the interview, jokingly predicting that platforms like Instagram and Facebook would pull it down—a prediction that ultimately proved true.

The Impact of ‘Big Tech’

Following the removal of his interview from YouTube, Trump issued a statement through his Save America PAC, expressing outrage over what he termed as a suppression of free speech. “Incredibly, but not surprisingly, the Big Tech lunatics have taken down my interview,” he stated. Trump claimed that the interview set viewership records prior to its removal, emphasizing that the topics discussed, such as the 2020 election and critiques of his opponents, were contentious subjects that ‘Big Tech’ actively sought to silence.

2024: Reaching Out Through Popular Podcasts

Fast forward to 2024, Trump renewed his partnership with the Nelk Boys, appearing on various podcasts to mobilize support from young male voters. One of the most significant moments came when Trump was endorsed by Joe Rogan, host of the most popular podcast in the U.S., who has a massive following of 14.5 million on Spotify. This endorsement was seen as a major asset for Trump just a day before the election.

‘Send the Vote’ Initiative

In a concerted effort to engage the youth vote, the Nelk Boys launched the “Send the Vote” initiative aimed at encouraging young men, particularly those aged 18 to 34, to register and participate in elections. Armed with a substantial budget of around million, the campaign sought to reach inactive registered voters through well-targeted advertisement campaigns. The initiative strived for mobilization and emphasized the importance of voting beyond mere social media engagement.

Numbers Speak: The Success of Send the Vote

Send the Vote reached an impressive audience, with analytics showing that the ads were seen by over 35 million individuals. The initiative’s website attracted more than 2 million visitors, resulting in 210,000 first-time voters who engaged in the voting process, along with 110,000 individuals requesting reminders to vote.

Engaging Young Voters through Events

In October, the Send the Vote campaign held tailgate events during significant college football games like the Penn State vs. Wisconsin showdown. The initiative drew interest from young voters, demonstrating that grassroots efforts could effectively resonate with this demographic. Volunteering efforts included knocking on fraternity doors and organizing a voter registration concert, featuring pro-Trump rapper Waka Flocka Flame in Atlanta.

Addressing Voter Apathy

“Too many people in our country felt like their voice didn’t matter,” said John Shahidi, co-founder of “Full Send.” He explained the motivation behind Send the Vote, illustrating a clear frustration with the perceived barriers to civic engagement. The cold truth, as Shahidi emphasized, is that social media activity alone does not equate to voting. The campaign’s primary message was clear: to provoke action and participation in the democratic process.

Capturing Young Men’s Attention

Trump’s decision to focus on podcast appearances rather than conventional media interviews has proven effective in securing support from younger demographics. Recent Fox News Voter Surveys have indicated strong backing for Trump among men aged 18-44, boasting a support rate of 53% compared to Kamala Harris’s 45%.

Joe Rogan and Trump’s Connection

Trump’s lengthy interview on Joe Rogan’s show, which lasted nearly three hours, served as another opportunity for him to connect with the electorate in a casual, relatable manner. Rogan’s involvement in the campaign was pivotal, given that his audience is predominantly composed of young, engaged listeners interested in lengthy, candid conversations with influential figures.

A Transformative Year for Trump

A striking moment following the election was captured at a UFC fight in New York City, where Trump was seen warmly embracing Rogan—a visual representation of their growing camaraderie and shared political vision.

Conclusion: The Power of New Media in Political Campaigning

As Trump celebrates his re-election, Dana White’s remarks on election night encapsulated the significance of the podcasters in shaping public engagement. He praised those who brought attention to Trump, underscoring that the political landscape has shifted significantly in favor of strategies that leverage new media outlets. “Nobody deserves this more than him, and nobody deserves this more than his family,” White proclaimed, resonating with the triumph of a candidate who has effectively utilized platforms like podcasts to forge deeper connections with his support base.