2025/06/01 by Reece Peck · 2 voices · 1 citation
Social Sciences · #Media Studies and Communication #Social Media and Politics
paper · doi:10.1093/ccc/tcaf010
openalex publication_date 2025/06/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30
Abstract This article examines Trump’s masculinist “alt-media strategy” in the 2024 election to explore the right’s dominance in the online media landscape. Often referred to as “the first influencer election,” post-2024 election analyses have highlighted the pivotal role alternative online media played in securing Trump’s second presidency. While some commentators have focused on the quantitative edge—such as Trump appearing on over twice as many podcasts as Harris—others have emphasized the influence of key MAGA-aligned figures, like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk. This article, however, spotlights a less appreciated but crucial factor: Trump’s historical relationship with alternative online political media, which traces back to the 2016 election cycle. This article calls upon communication scholars to adopt a “cultural-genealogical” lens to fully understand and reckon with the depth of MAGA media power.