Donald Trump’s Cabinet of Influencers. Plus, The Harvard Plan.
On the Media
Deep Dive
Why are Donald Trump's cabinet picks increasingly resembling online influencers?
Trump's picks are leveraging their large online followings to sell products, boost personal brands, and sidestep traditional media scrutiny. This 'influencer creep' allows them to reach audiences directly through platforms like TikTok and Cameo, bypassing legacy media.
What led to the resignation of Harvard's president, Claudine Gay?
Gay's tenure was marked by a social media-fueled controversy over a pro-Palestinian letter and escalating disputes over anti-Semitism and free speech. The crisis, amplified by public scrutiny and pressure from influential alumni, ultimately led to her resignation.
How did Kash Patel, Trump's pick for FBI director, monetize his influence after leaving the administration?
Patel sold branded merchandise, endorsed QAnon-friendly products, and claimed proceeds went to a vague foundation. He also marketed supplements like ashwagandha, capitalizing on his association with Trump to boost sales.
What role did social media play in the controversy surrounding Harvard's president?
Social media amplified the controversy by spreading the pro-Palestinian letter and subsequent backlash. Influential alumni and public figures used platforms to criticize Harvard's response, leading to widespread attention and pressure on the administration.
How did Harvard's response to the pro-Palestinian letter differ from its previous statements on global issues?
Harvard's response was more measured and less passionate compared to earlier statements on Ukraine and George Floyd's killing. Critics felt it lacked moral clarity and failed to strongly condemn anti-Semitic rhetoric, leading to further backlash.
Why did some Harvard alumni and donors turn against the university during the crisis?
Alumni and donors, including tech executives and hedge fund managers, felt the university failed to adequately address anti-Semitism and protect Jewish students. Their concerns were exacerbated by the perceived lack of strong leadership from Claudine Gay.
What advice did Rabbi David Wolpe offer Claudine Gay during the crisis?
Wolpe suggested Gay use biblical or Talmudic quotes in her public statements to show solidarity with the Jewish community. He also offered to provide a reading list to help her understand Jewish history and the conflict better.
How did Danielle Hawley, president of Mount Holyoke College, handle similar pressures during her tenure?
Hawley adopted a no-statements policy, focusing on internal education and transformation rather than performative public statements. She aimed to build trust over time and manage crises through consistent, long-term leadership.
What was the impact of the congressional hearing on the college presidents who testified?
The hearing subjected the presidents to intense public scrutiny and confrontational questioning, particularly from Elise Stefanik. The media coverage and social media reaction following their nuanced answers put their jobs at risk, leading to resignations and calls for their removal.
How did Harvard's board initially respond to the crisis, and why did their support for Claudine Gay come too late?
Initially, the Harvard Corporation was silent, leaving Gay to face the backlash alone. Their delayed statement of support came after a week, by which time new controversies had emerged, including allegations of plagiarism in Gay's dissertation.
- Trump's cabinet picks often have large social media followings and use them to promote products and themselves.
- This is part of a larger phenomenon called "influencer creep."
- Concerns are raised about the impact of this on American politics and the potential abuse of power.
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