The question arises – what do you gift a former president who arguably has it all? Internet sensation Adin Ross seems to have derived a unique answer. In a highly visible interview livestreamed this Monday afternoon, Ross presented Donald J. Trump, the unmatched persona who lit up America, with a statement in the form of a gold Rolex watch and a custom-made Tesla Cybertruck.
Mr. Trump, showcasing his trademark enthusiasm, hailed the presence of the uniquely decorated electric beast parked in the porte-cochère at Mar-a-Lago, his esteemed private residence in sun-drenched Florida. ‘I think it’s incredible,’ was his succinct appreciation of Elon Musk’s polarizing machine, echoing the sentiment of Tesla’s passionate and ever-growing fanbase across the country.
An object of desire, the car’s limited availability has made it a point of intrigue since its launch in late 2023. The red, white, and blue vehicle driven by Ross to the interview proudly bore the inspiring campaign slogan, ‘Make America Great Again’ – a message that has proven to be the rallying cry of a hopeful, resilient, and unfalteringly patriotic America.
Accentuating the Cybertruck’s unique decoration were iconic images of the former president, his fist raised high as a symbol of defiance, encapsulating a key moment from a previous month’s campaign rally. Coupling the strong message of the Trump campaign with the innovative vision of Tesla proved to be a fascinating symbiosis of America’s frontier spirit.
In front of an awe-inspiring, half-a-million-strong digital audience, Mr. Trump graciously slid into the Cybertruck. Accompanied by Ross, they tuned in to a special playlist personally prepared for the occasion. Demonstrating his well-known, relatable charm, the former president quipped appreciatively, ‘Who doesn’t like the Beach Boys?’
The other precious gift handed over by Ross, a magnificent Rolex watch, was encased in an attractive green leather box. Trump admired the timepiece, confirming its allure with a jovial ‘Wow, that’s so nice,’ an approval that amplified the exquisiteness of both gifts.
It’s essential to appreciate the prestige and value these items hold. A standard Tesla Cybertruck fetches around $60,990, with superior trims peaking above the $100,000 mark. The patriotic wrap Ross splurged on, a printed vinyl sticker adorning the vehicle in its entirety, can cost upwards of $4,000. The starting price of elegant Rolex watches usually sits at $5,000.
Undoubtedly, the virtual session with Ross offered Trump more than just glamorous gifts. The livestream granted the former president a powerful opportunity: direct access to Ross’s massive fanbase, composed of mostly young, right-leaning potential voters – an influential demographic that could help set the future course of American politics.
The 23-year-old Ross initially gained popularity through his engaging video game streams, frequently pulling in upwards of 150,000 simultaneous viewers. These captivating streams can last for more than five hours, demonstrating his stamina and dedication.
Despite running into some disagreements regarding his choice of guests, Ross’s appeal has not wavered. His nonchalant response to criticism and steadfast commitment to providing diverse content draws parallels to Trump’s own consistent defiance of mainstream narratives. These shared qualities may well account for the draw between the internet sensation and the unique political figure.
While some sanctions by streaming platform Twitch bounced him off to another site, Kick, Ross remained undeterred. His popularity remained steadfast, especially amongst a demographic that Trump recognizes as vital for future political triumphs.
Activating this largely male demographic, who are enthusiastic followers of Ross, and driving them to participate in the electoral process could be a game-changer. This mutual advantage made Trump’s interaction with this modern influencer an intelligent tactic.
Moreover, Trump’s social media savviness led him to engage with more influential personalities to amplify his reach further. Notable interaction included an interview with Logan Paul, a wrestler and energy drinks entrepreneur with a jaw-dropping social media following of more than 50 million, including 27 million on Instagram alone.
To continue this momentum, Trump shared video clips on his TikTok account with Jake Paul, an influencer turned boxer and Logan’s brother. These postings resulted in a spectacular 17 million views, reinforcing Trump’s adaptability and effective use of modern media channels.
Adding to this list, Trump granted interview opportunities to the Canadian Nelk Boys, renowned for their pranks on YouTube. A recent podcast featuring JD Vance, Trump’s partner, recorded an impressive 1.2 million views, further demonstrating the power of digital platforms in political discourse.
Adin Ross played a remarkable role in his conversation with Trump. His inclusive approach provided a comfortable platform for Trump to voice his perspectives freely and engage in some playful banter about his political counterparts. Ross’s call-to-action, urging his audience to vote for Trump, left even the experienced politician pleasantly surprised.