Month: July 2025

Top 5 Ways President Trump Used Television to Win Elections

When Donald J. Trump stepped into the political arena in 2015, few could have predicted how profoundly he would change the way campaigns are run. While many candidates relied on traditional campaign ads, grassroots organizing, and policy rollouts, Trump understood something deeper and more primal: the unmatched power of television. Not just as a medium for advertising, but as a stage for spectacle, repetition, simplicity, and dominance.

Trump’s mastery of television, both in how he was portrayed and how he portrayed himself, was arguably the single greatest factor in his rise to political power. Here are the top five ways President Trump used television to win his elections.

1. Repetition as a Persuasion Secret Weapon

Television is a medium where repetition thrives. Trump understood this better than anyone. From the constant hammering of slogans like “Make America Great Again” to labeling rivals with sticky monikers like “Crooked Hillary” or “Sleepy Joe,” his phrases were repeated endlessly—by both his campaign and his critics.

Television rewarded that repetition. Every rally, every press appearance, every debate clip aired on cable news became another opportunity to reinforce the message. Studies have long shown that repeated messaging—especially when it’s simple and emotional—builds familiarity, and familiarity breeds acceptance. Trump turned the 24/7 news cycle into a loop of his own talking points, playing over and over again in homes across America.

2. Simplicity of Language for Mass Appeal

Trump’s television persona wasn’t about sounding like a scholar. It was about sounding understandable. He consistently used short sentences, strong verbs, and emotionally charged phrases. This wasn’t an accident—it was a strategic advantage.

Television favors quick soundbites, and Trump mastered the format. While opponents delivered detailed policy arguments, Trump made declarative statements. In an era of shrinking attention spans and cable news commentary, simplicity wasn’t a liability—it was a superpower. It made him accessible, even relatable, to millions who felt talked down to by other politicians.

3. Turning Negative Coverage into Ubiquity

Conventional wisdom says bad press is harmful. Trump flipped that logic. He realized that all press keeps you in front of the camera—and in front of voters. Negative coverage might have bruised his reputation in elite circles, but it cemented his image as the outsider fighting the establishment.

TV couldn’t stop covering him. He was unpredictable, controversial, and highly entertaining—ratings gold. By dominating airtime, Trump didn’t just outpace his rivals—he often became the news cycle. In the 2016 campaign, one study estimated that Trump received nearly $5 billion in free media coverage, dwarfing his competitors.

4. Reality TV Persona & Visual Branding

Before politics, Trump had already spent over a decade as the face of The Apprentice, where he played the role of the decisive billionaire boss. That reality show persona became the foundation of his political identity: tough, commanding, and in control.

Television is a visual medium. Trump always looked the part—his signature red tie, stern expression, and authoritative gestures were television-ready. He understood framing, camera angles, and how to “perform” for the screen in ways that even seasoned politicians struggled to match. Voters weren’t just hearing what he said—they were seeing him as a leader.

5. Staying Omnipresent in the Cable News Era

In the cable news era, constant presence equals influence. Trump made himself unavoidable. Whether he was calling into Fox & Friends in the morning or being dissected on Anderson Cooper 360 at night, he was the gravitational force of the news cycle. Other candidates had to ask for airtime. Trump was the airtime.

This omnipresence created a psychological effect: Trump became familiar, and in politics, familiarity builds trust. Voters didn’t need to agree with him on everything—they just felt like they knew him. And that feeling, reinforced day and night on their television screens, made all the difference.

In a media-saturated age, where attention is the most valuable currency, Trump became a billionaire. Not in dollars, but in eyeballs. And in politics, that may be worth even more.

Trump is The King of Earned Media

While some may argue whether or not his politics are good, there is no question that he is the most incredible marketers of the 21st century. His political success wasn’t just about policy or ideology—it was about media dominance. Television gave him the platform, and he used it– not just to communicate, but to control the conversation. And this is something he continues to do during his presidency as well. From repetition and simplicity to turning critics into free advertising, Trump has turned the medium into a megaphone—and has made the world tune in.

Crumbl Cookies and the Power of Visual Hype: What Retailers Can Learn

In just a few short years, Crumbl Cookies has gone from a single location in Utah to a nationwide empire boasting over 1,000 storefronts and more than $1.2 billion in annual revenue.

Their secret? It Comes Down to 3 Things:

  1. A highly visual brand experience powered by social media
  2. A rotating weekly menu that drives urgency
  3. A deep understanding of how to turn content into conversion.As Crumbl flirts with a potential $2 billion valuation and a future IPO, marketers across industries—especially those focused on in-location retail media—should take note.

At the heart of Crumbl’s growth is a savvy approach to digital content. Their 30-person in-house creative team produces high-end video, photos, and content drops every week, timed perfectly with their Sunday night menu reveals. This consistency has made Crumbl one of the most followed food brands online, with millions of followers on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

They understand that a product designed to be photographed and shared can drive not just engagement, but physical foot traffic.

And in the case of their cookies, the more visually outrageous the flavor or topping, the more likely it is to trend, and in turn get people through their doors.

This attention to the visual experience doesn’t stop online. In-store, Crumbl stores are intentionally minimalist—open kitchens, streamlined counters, and most importantly, digital screens that reflect the week’s lineup and real-time volume discount offers. These in-location displays do more than just inform—they influence purchasing behavior. Limited-time add-ons, featured flavors, and upsells are highlighted through digital signage that reinforces the same design language customers have already seen on their feeds. It creates a seamless transition from the online hype to the in-store checkout.

This model offers a blueprint for other retailers and food brands, especially those with visually-driven products. The ability to coordinate digital marketing with on-location screen content is one of the most powerful tools in the modern marketing stack.

Businesses that embrace custom in-store TV networks—especially those that can update dynamically and mirror current social campaigns—create immersive brand environments.

Whether it’s showcasing a product drop, cross-promoting accessories, or driving loyalty program signups, in-location media can reinforce urgency, elevate perception, and drive higher transaction values.

crumbl-cookie-marketing-brilliance
Crumbl Chocolate Toffee Cake ft. HEATH

Crumbl’s success also reflects a shift in consumer behavior. People aren’t just buying cookies—they’re buying the moment, the reveal, the exclusivity, and the shareability. The customer becomes part of the marketing. Retailers who want to replicate this effect must think beyond static signage or passive background TV. Instead, they should be leveraging tools like custom business TV platforms that allow them to tailor content to their own promotions, seasonal campaigns, or limited-time offers—just as Crumbl does with its rotating menu.

As Crumbl positions itself for Wall Street, it’s clear the brand was built as much on visual media strategy as it was on frosting and flour. Their ability to connect with customers at multiple touchpoints—online and in-store—has redefined what a modern retail experience can look like. For marketers, it’s a clear sign: visual storytelling and strategic screen usage aren’t just add-ons—they’re now essential ingredients in building the next billion-dollar brand.