Former first lady Melania Trump said her son, Barron, played a crucial role in her husband Donald Trump‘s victory in the 2024 US presidential election.
In an interview on ‘Fox & Friends’, she explained how the 18-year-old freshman at New York University (NYU) gave important advice that helped Donald Trump connect with younger voters, leading to his second term.
According to Melania, Barron was “very vocal” in advising his father on the importance of engaging with media personalities who were popular with Gen Z.
He recommended that his father appear on podcasts and other non-traditional platforms, recognising that younger voters no longer relied on television. “He knew exactly who his father needs to contact and to talk to,” she said. “He brought in so many young people — he knows his generation,” she added.
This strategy, which saw Donald Trump making high-profile appearances on platforms like “The Joe Rogan Experience” and other popular podcasts, helped him gain significant traction with younger audiences.
Melania said Barron’s suggestions were key to Trump’s outreach, as podcasts, YouTube, and social media had become the main platforms for younger voters. “They are all on the tablets, they are on the phones and all of these podcasts and streamers,” Melania added.
Barron’s influence extended beyond his advice on media appearances. The Trump campaign team followed Barron’s lead by securing interviews on other popular outlets, including “This Past Weekend with Theo Von”, “Flagrant”, and ‘Impaulsive’ with Logan Paul.
These interviews garnered millions of views and drew widespread attention in the final days before the election, changing the perception among young voters that Trump was well-connected and engaged with their generation.
Senior Trump adviser Jason Miller praised Barron’s ability to find popular platforms that generate viewership with every media suggestion. “Every single recommendation he’s had has turned out to be absolute ratings gold that’s broke the internet,” Miller said.
On election night, Donald Trump gave a shout-out to his son, causing a wave of applause from supporters. “Ba-ron, Ba-ron,” the crowd cheered, showing how popular the teenager had become with his father’s base.
