Bloomberg Businessweek ICYMI: The YouTube Manager Who Helped Catapult Trump To Victory
18 snips
Apr 22, 2025 
Sarah Frier, Big Tech team leader at Bloomberg News and author of 'No Filter', joins to discuss John Shahidi, a YouTube manager pivotal in Trump's 2024 campaign. They explore the impact of podcasts on election strategies and how Shahidi connects Trump to younger voters through innovative digital content. Frier highlights the vital role of social media in shaping public perception and voter engagement, revealing the intersection of technology, politics, and audience outreach in contemporary elections.
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John Shahidi's Unlikely Political Pivot
- John Shahidi was a music manager who embraced Trump during his first term despite being shunned by his industry peers.
- He pivoted to podcasting and helped arrange Trump appearances on popular podcasts to reach young voters.
Tech Access Empowers Shahidi
- Shahidi grew from an outsider to a key figure with direct access to YouTube and major tech platforms.
- His business partnerships with podcasters made his influence resilient to political shifts.
Podcasts Mobilize Male Voters
- Podcasts appeal strongly to a majority male "fraternity" demographic that was crucial in driving voter turnout.
- Shahidi and his network encouraged this demographic to vote for Trump, impacting the election outcome.
