When you think of The Sopranos, it’s likely the drama, crime, and iconic characters that come to mind — but one of the most fascinating moments from the series finale has proven to be eerily prophetic. Nearly a decade before Donald Trump took office, a seemingly innocent exchange between Tony Soprano and his son, AJ, foreshadowed a significant shift in American political dynamics and a major aspect of Trump’s appeal to young men.
The scene, part of the 2007 series finale, features AJ, Tony’s 18-year-old son, explaining his decision to join the army. He expresses an ambition that seems almost casual, yet reveals a deeper connection between AJ’s worldview and the emerging ethos of the future Trump supporter. This brief, throwaway line in one of TV’s most critically acclaimed shows has since been viewed as a subtle yet striking reflection of the future appeal of Donald Trump, particularly among young men.
The Sopranos’ Final Scene: A Glimpse into Trump’s Appeal
In the pivotal scene, AJ Soprano tells his father Tony that he plans to enlist in the army. Tony responds in a typical dismissive fashion, asking, “Are you nuts? You want to get sent to Iraq?” AJ quickly corrects him, saying, “Afghanistan.” But it’s the next part that stands out: “The Army’s probably good for my career… My ultimate goal is to qualify for helicopter pilot training. Afterwards, go to work for Trump or somebody. And be their personal pilot.”
At the time of the finale’s airing in 2007, Donald Trump had not yet announced his presidential candidacy, and his public persona was largely that of a wealthy businessman and reality TV star. However, in retrospect, this brief exchange seems to predict the rising political and cultural force that Trump would become — especially among young, working-class men seeking a sense of purpose and identity in a rapidly changing America.
Trump’s Appeal to Young Men: More Than Just Wealth
The line in The Sopranos about AJ’s goal to “work for Trump” taps into a deep psychological and cultural appeal that Trump would later leverage to secure a massive following among young men. In his 2016 presidential campaign, Trump positioned himself as the embodiment of success, wealth, and, crucially, a particular kind of masculinity — one that resonated deeply with younger voters.
For many young men, especially those from working-class backgrounds, Trump’s success and image as a strong, self-made billionaire became a symbol of what they aspired to be. Whether or not they agreed with his politics, many saw Trump as someone who had overcome the system, made it big, and wasn’t afraid to embrace his alpha-male persona.
The “Macho” Appeal of Donald Trump
Several factors contributed to Trump’s image as a hyper-masculine figure, and this has been central to his appeal among young men. His brash, unapologetic attitude, combined with his success as a businessman and media personality, created an image of strength and dominance that many young men found attractive. Even in the face of multiple controversies — including his history of sexual assault allegations and his infamous “grab them by the p***y” remark — Trump maintained an air of invincibility, which many of his supporters viewed as a form of masculine power.
Research has shown that for many young men, Trump represents a form of “positive masculinity,” despite his well-publicized flaws. This perception is partly driven by a broader societal crisis surrounding the identity of young men. Many feel disillusioned by the lack of economic opportunities, rising mental health issues, and a perceived erosion of traditional gender roles. Trump’s rhetoric often aligns with their frustrations, offering a promise of strength, success, and the reclaiming of a dominant, masculine role in society.
In a survey conducted by The Los Angeles Loyolan, Ryland Repetti, a finance major, and president of the Loyola Marymount College Republicans, summed up this view: “In a certain capacity, I look up to Trump… He’s done a lot with his life. Being a billionaire, he got elected president without any personal political experience.” This desire to emulate Trump’s success reflects a deeper need for many young men to regain control over their futures, which they feel are increasingly out of reach.
Trump’s Strategy to Connect with Young Men
Trump’s appeal to young men is not an accident. His campaign in 2016 was strategically aimed at this demographic, and his messaging has continued to evolve in 2024. Trump’s connection with younger voters, particularly young men, is rooted in several key factors:
1. Economic Insecurity
As noted in several studies, economic insecurity plays a major role in young men’s political alignment. Many are struggling to find steady, well-paying jobs, and rising costs of living — particularly around housing, education, and healthcare — have left them feeling marginalized. This economic anxiety has created a fertile ground for Trump’s messaging, which often frames the economy in terms of a “zero-sum game,” where winning is seen as a matter of strength and willpower.
Trump’s straightforward, “no-nonsense” approach to the economy resonates with young men who feel abandoned by traditional political systems. His message of putting “America First” and restoring economic dominance appealed to those who were worried about their ability to achieve the American Dream.
2. The Masculinity Factor
Beyond the economy, Trump has tapped into a broader cultural crisis surrounding masculinity. Many young men, particularly those in the Gen Z and millennial age groups, feel a loss of direction in a world that increasingly challenges traditional gender roles. Mental health struggles, rising suicide rates, and academic underachievement are all symptoms of a deeper identity crisis that young men are facing.
Trump’s brand of masculinity — tough, unapologetic, and at times, even aggressive — provides a sense of reassurance to these young men. They see in him someone who does not apologize for his behavior, his rhetoric, or his views. In a society that often pushes for more inclusivity and sensitivity, Trump represents the opposite — a figure who unapologetically embodies the kind of old-school, macho strength many young men feel is lacking in their lives.
3. The Role of Influencers and Media
Trump’s outreach to young men extends beyond traditional political channels. He has cultivated relationships with influencers, podcasters, and media figures who have a strong following among young men, including Joe Rogan, Adin Ross, and Logan Paul. These influencers often embrace controversial, “alpha-male” tropes, further strengthening Trump’s image as the ideal leader for a generation grappling with its identity.
Through these platforms, Trump reaches young men on their own terms, talking less about policy and more about the values of strength, independence, and success. His interviews and appearances on these shows often focus on his personal success and views on masculinity, further cementing his role as a figurehead for young men searching for guidance in an uncertain world.
What Does This All Mean for the Future of American Politics?
The connection between Trump and young men — particularly those feeling the strain of economic hardship and societal change — may continue to be a central theme in future elections. As young men increasingly lean toward conservative values, this shift could have significant long-term implications for the American political landscape.
In 2024, Trump’s efforts to reach young men will likely intensify. With an increasing focus on issues like economic insecurity, mental health, and the loss of traditional masculine roles, Trump is well-positioned to maintain his appeal with this key demographic. This approach is a direct response to the growing alienation of young men, who are struggling to find their place in a rapidly evolving society.
In many ways, The Sopranos finale, with its casual reference to Trump, might not have just been a throwaway line. It could have been a glimpse into the future of American politics — one where the appeal to masculinity, success, and economic power becomes a defining feature of political identity for an entire generation.
