Former President Donald Trump’s unorthodox coalition-building strategy has paid off in a big way. The businessman-turned-politician appealed to groups that have traditionally backed Democrats, including Bitcoin enthusiasts and union workers. In the 2024 election, he secured crucial victories in battleground states like North Carolina and won over key unions.
Trump’s efforts to woo these groups were part of his broader appeal to specific audiences. He made policy promises tailored to their interests, which helped him build a loyal coalition. The Lumbee Tribe, for example, had reliably voted Democratic but was courted by Trump with the promise of federal recognition, leading to a 28-point victory in Robeson County.
Teamsters President Sean O’Brien was another key target, who delivered a primetime address at the Republican National Convention and later withheld an endorsement. However, after meeting with Trump, he advocated for his candidate, Lori Chavez-DeRemer, who led the Department of Labor. The Teamsters has seen significant influence since then.
Trump’s efforts to appease these groups have also been seen in his early actions on cryptocurrency. While some critics say it’s an unnecessary distraction, others see it as a sign that Trump is taking the cryptocurrency community seriously. The former president’s family has launched a crypto venture spearheaded by his sons, and he has announced plans for new digital assets.
Despite these efforts, there are still concerns about whether Trump’s appeal to certain groups will translate to GOP congressional candidates. Some experts worry that libertarians and supporters of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may not be convinced to support the president’s agenda in Congress.
For the Lumbee Tribe, however, it’s clear that Trump has made an impact. The tribe is still waiting for an act of Congress to access federal benefits granted to other federally recognized American Natives. Lowery says he’s cautiously optimistic that Trump can champion a legislative push, but if Republicans with full control of government can’t get it to his desk, Lumbee voters may swing back toward Democrats.
In the end, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s efforts will bear fruit for these groups. For now, they are basking in the glow of having been taken seriously by a president who has traditionally ignored their interests.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/23/politics/trump-campaign-pledges-rewards/index.html