Abstract

This article examines the 2020 US presidential campaign’s use of social media, focusing on Donald Trump’s late‑night online activities and a viral satirical video targeting Joe Biden. Drawing on campaign chronology, viral metrics and contemporary commentary, the author analyses how meme‑driven messaging sought to reshape racial discourse and signal political dominance, yet failed to offset broader liabilities – pandemic management and social unrest – that contributed to Trump’s defeat. The study argues that online theatrics influenced public debate but did not determine the election outcome, offering a measured account of digital rhetoric, information warfare and electoral consequence.