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Post Reports
The influencer administration
Mar 19, 2025
Sarah Ellison, a media and democracy reporter for The Washington Post, joins Drew Harwell, a tech reporter, to dissect the Trump administration's bold new communication strategies. They explore how the White House is shunning legacy media to dominate narratives through social media, even using viral content to simplify complex issues. Their discussion touches on the clever use of memes and satire, and how these tactics reshape public discourse and challenge traditional democratic checks, showcasing a radical shift in political messaging.
29:20
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Quick takeaways
- The Trump administration's aggressive social media strategy transforms political communication, enabling them to dominate narratives and bypass traditional media.
- By sidelining legacy media and fostering relationships with alternative outlets, the White House effectively curates news coverage and amplifies pro-Trump messages.
Deep dives
The Impact of Social Media on Political Messaging
The Trump administration is aggressively utilizing social media, transforming traditional communication strategies into a more combative, campaign-style approach. By maintaining a constant presence online, they aim to dominate discussions and reinforce their narratives, often drowning out critics rather than engaging in traditional debates. For instance, they crafted a controversial ASMR video juxtaposing a calming style with stark images of deportation, which generated over 100 million views, showcasing the effectiveness of this method in reaching wide audiences. This tactic represents a shift in how political communication is conducted, with social media becoming a primary channel for propagating government messages and addressing dissent.
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Discover
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