The Power 30 Awards celebration held on Sunday was a vibrant mix of political symbolism, social media influence, and youthful energy. Adorned with TikTok earmuffs and MAGA hats, partygoers gathered to celebrate social media influencers who had helped bolster President Donald Trump’s re-election efforts.
The event took place just hours after TikTok resumed services in the U.S., following Trump’s decision to reverse a previous ban on the popular video-sharing platform. Influencers, who had been central to Trump’s digital strategy, mingled over drinks, capturing moments on small cameras while promoting free TikTok swag, including beanies and shot glasses.
The party was hosted by Raquel Debono, a figure known for organizing “Make America Hot Again” conservative dating events, and CJ Pearson, co-chair of the Republican National Committee Youth Advisory Council. In an interview, Pearson highlighted how social media, particularly TikTok, played a pivotal role in engaging young voters during the 2024 election.
Social Media’s Role in Political Engagement
Pearson’s statement echoed the growing sentiment that 2024 marked the “first influencer election,” with TikTok offering a direct channel to reach younger voters. Although Trump only garnered 43% of the 18-29 age group, this represented a 7-point increase from the 2020 election—a testament to TikTok’s undeniable influence on political discourse.
One influencer, Bryce Hall, a popular TikTok content creator, even gave a shout-out to Trump for his role in bringing TikTok back online. Hall, known for his humorous posts, has amassed over 23 million followers and saw firsthand how TikTok could shape political conversations.
Monitoring the Impact: Economic and Corporate Insights
With the growing influence of social media on elections, it’s important to assess the economic impact on companies and industries involved. Full Financials provide insights into how the political landscape is affecting major companies, including social media platforms like TikTok. Moreover, Company Ratings can help track how market sentiment around social media companies is evolving post-inauguration.