Donald Trump is reportedly seeking help from his youngest son to connect with Gen Z voters. Generation Z is generally considered to apply to those born between 1997 and 2012, making the older members of the demographic around 27 years old. The age group statistically tends to favor Democrats, and Trump is leaning into the technological and online world to try to persuade them in his direction.
Former White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney told reporters that the former President is relying on 18-year-old Barron Trump to help him bond with younger voters. The only child he shares with Melania Trump, Barron has recently begun taking a more significant role in his father’s campaign, and he received a standing ovation when introduced to the crowd at a Florida Trump rally in July. The former President praised his youngest son as a “very special guy,” adding, “This is the first time he’s ever done this.”
Mr. Trump credits his teenage son with introducing him to Adin Ross, a 23-year-old online streamer famous for sniffing people’s chairs after they have sat in them. Ross has conducted interviews with highly controversial figures, including Andrew Tate and Nick Fuentes, and sniffed their chairs afterward. Trump appeared on Ross’s livestream, pushing viewing figures to an unprecedented high.
“Thank you also to Barron Trump for the introduction to your friend, Adin. Young people are the future of America,” the former President said.
Controversially, Mr. Ross gave Donald Trump two extravagant gifts, prompting criticism from his opponents. The young streamer gave Trump a Tesla Cybertruck valued at more than $60,000 and a gold Rolex watch. When critics pointed out that under Federal Election Commission (FEC) rules, candidates are prohibited from accepting gifts that exceed $3,300 in value, spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the Trump campaign would “submit an advisory opinion to the FEC to seek guidance on how to handle the gifts.”
Trump described the lavish gifts as “beautiful” and “incredible” and said they symbolize the level of respect Mr. Ross demands.
