Nationwide — CJ Pearson and Janiyah Thomas are among a new generation of young Black conservatives gaining national attention for their outspoken support of President Trump and their efforts to reshape how Black voters engage with Republican politics. Both have built large social media followings and emphasize culture, communication, and authenticity as tools for reaching younger audiences. Pearson, 23, is the host of a podcast called Family Matters, while Thomas, 27, is a political strategist who served as Black media director during Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign.
Pearson first entered the spotlight at age 13, when he posted a viral video criticizing then-President Barack Obama for inviting a Texas high school student, Ahmed Mohamed, to the White House after the student was arrested for bringing a homemade clock to school. Over the past decade, Pearson has grown into one of the most visible Gen Z conservatives online. On his podcast, he regularly discusses race, culture, and politics, often from a contrarian point of view. In a recent episode, he drew headlines for questioning what he called the “contradictions” of racial attitudes among liberals, citing several public figures as examples.
Thomas, who began her career as a campaign staffer and communications aide, describes her approach as more direct than that of older Black conservatives such as Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice. She has said that the current generation’s style is “raw and unfiltered,” reflecting the social-media-driven political climate in which debates often unfold online rather than in formal policy discussions. During the 2024 campaign, Thomas focused on outreach to younger voters and historically Black colleges, arguing that cultural engagement was essential for Republicans hoping to expand their base.
Together, Pearson and Thomas have helped shape what many call the “Black MAGA” movement—an effort to promote conservative ideas through digital platforms, lifestyle branding, and cultural conversation rather than traditional political organizing. Their approach mirrors Trump’s own celebrity-style politics, using entertainment and online virality to connect with audiences who may feel alienated from both major parties. Pearson’s growing presence in Washington’s social scene and his inclusion on the TIME100 Creators list reflect his expanding influence among conservative media circles.
According to USA Today, supporters of Pearson and Thomas view them as modernizing voices in a party seeking to broaden its appeal, while critics argue that their messaging minimizes the challenges facing Black communities under conservative policies. Polling suggests that although Trump improved his standing among Black voters during his campaigns, most still lean Democratic. Both Pearson and Thomas have acknowledged that online attention alone will not guarantee political success, emphasizing the need for ground-level engagement and voter outreach.
Looking ahead, Pearson has hinted at potential political ambitions once he reaches the minimum age of 25 to run for Congress, while Thomas continues advising conservative campaigns and media projects. For now, the two remain prominent figures in a growing network of young Black Republicans who see cultural influence as the key to future political power—an evolution that reflects how social media, celebrity, and ideology increasingly overlap in modern American politics.