In a high-profile display of generosity and influence, internet celebrity Adin Ross presented former President Donald J. Trump with a customized Tesla Cybertruck and a gold Rolex watch during a livestreamed interview on Monday. The event, which drew substantial viewership, highlighted Ross’s role in connecting Trump with a crucial demographic of young, predominantly male voters.
The Cybertruck, a model associated with Tesla’s CEO Elon Musk and embroiled in ongoing cultural debates, was delivered to Trump adorned with patriotic red, white, and blue, featuring Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.” The vehicle, a rare commodity since its release in late 2023, was showcased alongside a Rolex watch—a token of high value, with the Cybertruck’s base model priced at $60,990 and custom wraps starting around $4,000, while Rolex watches typically begin at $5,000.
During the livestream, which at times attracted over 500,000 viewers, Trump expressed his admiration for the gifts. “I think it’s incredible,” Trump said, examining the Cybertruck. He also praised the Rolex, noting, “Wow, that’s so nice,” as he admired the green leather box containing the timepiece.
The gifts, however, might present legal complications. Given that the federal limit for campaign contributions is $3,300 per election cycle, both the Cybertruck and Rolex could exceed this threshold, raising concerns of potential campaign finance violations. Brendan Fischer, a campaign finance expert at Documented, suggested that Trump’s campaign might need to seek guidance from the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on how to address the gifts.
Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that the campaign intends to consult the FEC for advice on handling the donations.
More crucial than the material gifts may be the access Ross provided to a significant voter base. At 23, Ross has garnered fame through his gaming livestreams, routinely drawing large audiences. Despite controversy surrounding his platform—marked by previous bans from Twitch and associations with contentious figures—Ross remains influential among a key demographic that Trump is eager to engage.
Trump’s recent media strategy has included interviews with various influencers, such as Logan Paul and Jake Paul, as well as the Nelk Boys, aiming to solidify his connection with younger, right-leaning voters. In his interaction with Ross, Trump found an ally who not only presented valuable gifts but also openly endorsed him, a gesture that visibly pleased the former president.
Trump acknowledged the significance of Ross’s endorsement, stating, “I think it’s great that you can say something like that,” appreciating the direct support from the influential streamer.
As the political landscape continues to evolve, the combination of high-profile gifts and strategic media appearances underscores the importance of connecting with key voter demographics in the lead-up to the next election.
