Donald Trump’s Cabinet of Influencers. Plus, The Harvard Plan.
Dec 6, 2024
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Drew Harwell, a technology reporter at The Washington Post, discusses the striking trend of political figures emulating social media influencers for cabinet roles, dubbed ‘influencer creep.’ He highlights the implications of this culture on politics, including the commodification of fame in governance. The conversation also dives into Claudine Gay's tumultuous presidency at Harvard, marking a clash over cultural wars, free speech, and expectations of diversity, revealing how social media amplified campus tensions amid ongoing protests.
Donald Trump's cabinet selections reflect a growing trend of politicians adopting influencer strategies to market themselves and their agendas.
The backlash faced by Harvard University and its president Claudine Gay illustrates the intense pressure educational institutions encounter regarding free speech and political accountability.
Social media has transformed the landscape of political communication, compelling leaders to respond more rapidly and publicly to emerging controversies and criticisms.
Deep dives
Influencer Politicians and Marketing Strategies
Donald Trump's cabinet picks reveal a trend where politicians double as influencers, leveraging their platforms for marketing purposes. Figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Oz exemplify this crossover, using social media to promote products while holding significant political roles. Kennedy’s recent TikTok advertisement for a game and Oz's endorsements of wellness products highlight how traditional political responsibilities are intertwined with influencer culture. This blending raises questions about the priorities of elected officials and the integrity of their public roles when personal branding and product promotion take precedence.
Leadership Crisis at Harvard University
The harrowing leadership crisis at Harvard was ignited following the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel, leading to immense backlash regarding the university's response. Harvard’s then-president Claudine Gay faced intense scrutiny after a letter from a student group blaming Israel emerged, sparking widespread outrage. Congress became involved, demanding accountability from university leaders and highlighting the tension between university expression and rising anti-Semitism. The fallout included the resignations of numerous university presidents who struggled with maintaining their authority amid the escalating demands for accountability and clarity.
The Role of Social Media in Political Discourse
Social media's influence on political discourse has dramatically shifted the way politicians communicate with their constituents. The case of Harvard University illustrates this phenomenon, where silence on contentious issues led to public outcry and backlash from influential donors and alumni. Tweets, reactions, and online commentary became pivotal in shaping public perceptions of university leadership, particularly of Claudine Gay. This evolving dynamic illustrates the power shift where traditional media’s role has diminished, replaced by the immediate and unfiltered nature of social media interactions.
The Impact of Student Activism on Leadership
Student activism has played a pivotal role in shaping leadership accountability within universities, especially at Harvard. Following the Hamas attacks, a statement from the Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee gained traction, drawing stark criticism and leading to demands for stronger leadership responses. Prominent alumni and donors expressed their dissatisfaction with perceived inaction, which prompted swift reactions from university officials. This activism underpins a larger discourse about how universities navigate free speech, hate speech, and the complexities surrounding political statements in a charged societal climate.
Ethical Implications in University Governance
The ethical implications surrounding university governance and leadership amidst crises such as the one at Harvard have broader social ramifications. Claudine Gay's Congressional testimony, where she encountered aggressive questioning regarding anti-Semitism, sparked debates on the responsibilities of educational leaders in crisis management. The fallout from such hearings has made clear that university leaders can no longer maintain a passive stance; they are expected to navigate the treacherous waters of public opinion and political pressure. These challenges raise critical questions about the competencies required of university administrators in today's highly polarized and media-driven environment.
Many of Donald Trump’s cabinet picks are emulating online influencers in their efforts to sell products and promote themselves. On this week’s On the Media, hear about the phenomenon academics are calling “influencer creep.” Plus, a look at the short, troubled tenure of Harvard’s 30th president, Claudine Gay, and the media firestorm that ensued.
[01:00] Host Micah Loewinger speaks with Drew Harwell, technology reporter at The Washington Post, and Elaina Plott Calabro, staff writer at The Atlantic, on how, and why, Donald Trump is filling his cabinet with influencers.
[14:27] Reporter Ilya Marritz, in part one of our collaboration with the Boston Globe, dives into Claudine Gay's groundbreaking tenure as Harvard's first Black president. Gay’s appointment began with high hopes in September 2023, but soon devolved into a proxy battleground for American cultural wars — spurring escalating disputes over anti-Semitism and free speech, tarnishing her presidency as a symbol of diversity's failings. This series slows down the whipsaw chain of events to bring listeners direct eyewitness accounts of what happened, from professors, wealthy donors, and spiritual leaders.
On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.
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