When high-profile events take centre stage, they do more than capture public attention; they shape trends, stir conversations, and provide valuable lessons for marketers. As Donald Trump’s 2025 presidential inauguration became a reality, the social media frenzy surrounding it has kind of delivered a masterclass in engagement and influence. For retail marketers, especially those leveraging influencer marketing, this could provide critical insights into how to craft campaigns that resonate. 

1. Harnessing Polarisation to Build Engagement 

Trump’s personality and politics naturally polarise audiences, sparking heated debates and widespread conversations. While brands generally steer clear of divisive figures, the principle of leveraging strong emotions holds value. Collaborating with influencers who evoke passionate responses (positive or otherwise) can help brands amplify their message; as long as the influencer’s audience aligns with the brand’s ethos. 

And that’s the key point, it’s no crime to be passionate about or invoke strong responses to your values so long as those values are moral. 

2. Seizing Real-Time Marketing Opportunities 

Major events like inaugurations dominate social media feeds with hashtags, memes, and viral moments. Savvy marketers can tap into this energy by planning campaigns that respond to these trends in real-time. Think about content that tapped into the TikTok ban drama. 

Lesson for Marketers: Work with influencers who excel at reacting quickly to trending topics. Real-time posts tied to significant events make your brand part of the larger cultural conversation. 

3. Leveraging Loyal Communities 

Trump’s enduring influence comes from his ability to foster unwavering loyalty among his supporters. This demonstrates the immense power of tightly knit online communities. 

Key Insight: Micro-influencers, those with smaller but highly engaged followings, often have the same dynamic. Collaborating with them allows you to access audiences that are more likely to trust recommendations and convert into customers. 

4. Crafting a Strong Narrative 

Trump’s campaigns excel at storytelling, creating memorable slogans and messages that resonate deeply; he calls this, ‘the weave’. Whether you agree with his politics or not, the consistency of his narrative is undeniable. 

Marketer Takeaway: Successful influencer campaigns often revolve around storytelling. Encourage influencers to weave your brand into a narrative that feels personal and compelling to their followers. 

5. Embracing Meme Culture 

Inaugurations are ripe for memes (Shoutout Bernie in 2021), and Trump’s events are no exception. Memes provide a unique blend of humour, relatability, and cultural commentary, making them highly shareable. 

For Your Brand: Partner with influencers who understand meme culture and can create relatable, on-brand content. A bit of lightheartedness can make your campaign more approachable and memorable. 

6. Managing Backlash and Controversy 

Any Trump-related event attracts both fervent supporters and vocal critics. This demonstrates the importance of handling controversy and backlash with poise. If your influencers are really going to die on the hill that your values stand on, you might need to prepare to manage any backlash. 

For Retail Marketers: If you’re working with polarising influencers, be prepared for mixed reactions. Use negative feedback as an opportunity to reaffirm your brand’s values, demonstrating authenticity and integrity. 

7. Optimising Cross-Platform Strategies 

Trump’s campaigns thrive on a multi-platform approach, from Twitter (or X) to Truth Social, YouTube, and Instagram. Each platform is used strategically to maximise reach. 

Action Plan: Collaborate with influencers adept at tailoring content for different platforms. A TikTok trend won’t resonate the same way on Instagram, so make sure your campaigns play to each platform’s strengths. 

8. Letting Data Drive Decisions 

Trump’s team is known for leveraging data to segment audiences and deliver targeted messaging. Retail marketers can learn from this precision. 

What This Means for You: Partner with influencers who understand their audience’s demographics and engagement patterns. Data-backed campaigns will drive better results and help you refine your marketing strategy; always make sure you are acting on reliable data. 

Events like Trump’s potential 2025 inauguration reveal the immense power of influence, loyalty, and cultural relevance. As retail marketers, we don’t need to align with the politics of such figures to understand the dynamics at play. By focusing on real-time engagement, storytelling, and the strength of niche communities, you can create influencer campaigns that feel timely, authentic, and impactful. 

At Sway Me Good, we believe in helping brands unlock these opportunities through smart and scalable influencer partnerships. By learning from the cultural forces shaping conversations, you can elevate your marketing strategy and make your brand part of the story.