Trump says it was his son Barron who pushed him to do unhinged interview with right-wing streamer Adin Ross

Adin Ross, an online, streamer is popular with young men, the demographic where Trump’s youngest son sits

Ariana Baio
Tuesday 06 August 2024 20:01 BST
Comments
Trump tells Adin Ross that Barron is 'big fan'

Support truly
independent journalism

Our mission is to deliver unbiased, fact-based reporting that holds power to account and exposes the truth.

Whether $5 or $50, every contribution counts.

Support us to deliver journalism without an agenda.

Louise Thomas

Louise Thomas

Editor

Donald Trump’s teenage son, Barron, seemingly influenced the former president to pursue an interview with his “friend” and right-wing online streamer Adin Ross.

In a roughly hour-long interview with Ross, that was streamed on Monday, Trump told the 23-year-old that his son was “a big fan” and told him landing an interview with Ross was ‘big’.

“My son Barron says ‘hello’. He’s a great young guy but he’s a big fan of yours,” the former president said at the start of the live-streamed interview.

Donald Trump told right-wing streamer Adin Ross that his son, Barron, is the one who introduced him to Ross’s content.
Donald Trump told right-wing streamer Adin Ross that his son, Barron, is the one who introduced him to Ross’s content. (Adin Live / YouTube)

Ross is popular with young men – particularly with the demographic Barron, 18, belongs. Ross rose to fame initially streaming himself playing video games online but has also dabbled in giving controversial individuals, such as white supremacist Nick Fuentes, airtime on his platform.

“Barron says, ‘Dad he’s really big’ he said ‘he’s also a friend of mine’” Trump told Ross while admiring the size of the streamer’s auidence.

Ross has amassed more than 4 million followers on YouTube, 7.2 million on Instagram and 1.3 million on Kick.

“My kids say, ‘Dad you have no idea how big this interview is.’ I said ‘don’t tell me that,’” Trump said during the interview.

The former president indicated his sons were the ones who brought Ross to his attention. He called Ross’s success “outstanding” and later suggested he should, one day, make a bid for president – something Ross humbly turned down.

Instead, the streamer suggested Barron should he enter the political world.

Much of Monday’s interview consisted of Ross stroking the former president’s ego – allowing Trump to repeat familiar rants and attack Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris. At one point, Ross outrightly told his platform of 1.36 million followers on Kick to vote for Trump.

Barron Trump, the youngest son of former president Donald Trump, supports the right-wing online streamer and told his dad they were “friends.”
Barron Trump, the youngest son of former president Donald Trump, supports the right-wing online streamer and told his dad they were “friends.” (AP)

He later gifted the former president a Tesla Cybertruck and a gold Rolex, though it is unclear if Trump can accept the gifts per Federal Election Commission guidelines.

Trump was quick to boost about the attention his interview with Ross got online. Posting on Tuesday on Truth Social, the former president stated: “Wow!!! Adin Ross Interview yesterday EXPLODED, but in a very positive way! Platform set an all time record, by far, with over 100 MILLION Views/Hits. Congratulations to Adin and his wonderful mother, father, and family, who I had the pleasure to meet. Thank you also to Barron Trump for the introduction to your friend, Adin. Young people are the future of America. THOSE NUMBERS ARE REALLY BIG “STUFF!”

The bizarre interview seems part of Trump’s campaign strategy to appeal to young men – a voting group moving more to the right. 

Trump sat down in June with social media influencer and professional wrestler Logan Paul to discuss his campaign. Paul’s podcast is also popular among young men. Now, Trump has turned his attention to Ross.

Before being sanctioned by Twitch in 2023, Ross had more than 7.2 million followers on the streaming platform. The platform permanently banned him after he faced multiple suspensions for hateful conduct. 

Ross was accused of giving a masked individual a platform to espouse Nazi-like views.

He also found himself at the center of a controversy involving the right-wing media personality Andrew Tate who was accused of human trafficking and rape among other charges. Last year, a law firm accused Ross of prompting authorities to investigate Tate on suspicion that he was planning to flee Romania before the trial, according to NBC News.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in