“Advertising to Trump”: Fox’s Unprecedented New Market
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Fox News has become a communications direct line to the Oval Office. With Trump tuned in daily, advertisers—from corporations to foreign governments—are leveraging Fox’s airtime to reach “an audience of one,” Jeff Collins reports.
Surge in targeted political ads
Spending on Fox has exploded, not just during elections. The Ontario government, DHS, AIPAC, and tech-backed groups like American Edge are among those targeting Trump via Fox inventory. A WSJ investigation revealed $2 million of ads in West Palm Beach aimed directly at influencing policy through Trump.
Viewer numbers power the strategy
Fox’s dominant primetime ratings—over 3 million viewers—and robust upfront sales (now ahead of last year’s pace) have turned the network into advertisers’ top real-estate. Brands such as Amazon, Netflix, and JPMorgan have jumped back in with renewed ad spend.
Real‑world policy results
Television influence on Trump is tangible. After JPMorgan’s CEO appeared on Fox urging caution on tariffs, Trump announced a 90-day pause on tariff actions—unmistakably influenced by on‑screen messaging.
Why it matters now
- Direct White House access: Ads on Fox become lobbying tools.
- Strategic spending: Targeted buys in West Palm Beach followed Trump’s Mar‑a‑Lago visits.
- Policy influence: TV spots are evolving into political instruments.
Final Take
The “audience of one” approach turns broadcast time into Oval Office access. This tactic may herald a new era in political advertising—where screens influence seats of power directly.