Title: Donald Trump Expanding Media Presence with Non-Traditional Outlets, Including Contact Sports
Introduction:
Former President Donald Trump’s campaign is reportedly working to enhance his media presence beyond traditional outlets, focusing on non-traditional platforms, particularly those related to contact sports, according to a recent report from Politico. Trump has a long history of involvement with combat sports, and his team has been actively pursuing opportunities for high-profile interviews with renowned individuals from the industry.
Trump’s Connection to Hand-to-Hand Combat:
Trump’s association with hand-to-hand combat goes back to his days as a casino magnate when he hosted several prize fights featuring legendary boxer Mike Tyson. According to Politico, Trump’s team has been negotiating for several months to arrange a sit-down interview between Trump and Tyson on the latter’s “Hotboxin'” podcast. Their recent dinner at Mar-a-Lago and public appearances together at UFC events further fuel speculation about their growing camaraderie.
Capitalizing on Trump’s Celebrity in the Contact Sports Scene:
Trump’s campaign aims to leverage his popularity within the contact sports community as part of a broader strategy to engage with Americans who may not typically participate in elections. Last year, Trump sat down for an interview with the popular creators and MMA-related group Nelk Boys. However, the video was later removed by YouTube due to Trump spreading misinformation about the 2020 election. In April, he recorded another interview with the group. Trump is now seeking to expand his reach in the “bro-centric” creator space with a potential interview on Barstool Sports.
Trump’s Advantage Over Republican Competitors:
The emphasis on Trump’s media presence underscores his advantage over other Republican contenders, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is currently struggling to gain momentum. While DeSantis has primarily relied on appearances on Fox News and other conservative outlets, he is reportedly considering a shift in his media strategy. ABC News reported that DeSantis may be exploring engagements with news networks such as CNN and MSNBC to broaden his reach. However, it is unlikely that DeSantis will be able to replicate Trump’s success with Gen-Z content creators.
The Need for DeSantis to Regain Momentum:
DeSantis officially declared his candidacy in May but has failed to generate significant momentum thus far. A recent Morning Consult poll revealed that he trails Trump by nearly 40 percentage points. While Trump and other contenders like Mike Pence, Chris Christie, and Nikki Haley have participated in CNN town hall events, it remains to be seen whether DeSantis can regain ground solely through appearances on these networks.
Conclusion:
Donald Trump’s campaign is actively diversifying his media presence by focusing on non-traditional outlets, particularly those associated with contact sports. Building on his history with combat sports, efforts are underway to secure high-profile interviews with industry legends such as Mike Tyson. In contrast, his Republican competitors, including Ron DeSantis, are striving to broaden their media strategies and appeal to a wider audience. With Trump’s popularity within the contact sports community, it remains to be seen how successful these efforts will be in challenging the former president’s dominance.