For the first time in years, Donald Trump is starting to disappear into the background, according to data from SocialFlow, which monitors the number of clicks on news articles.
The whole picture: During the first month of his post-presidency, Trump discussed just as much as he did when he was in office, when he dominated social and traditional media. Its numbers have dropped over the past few weeks.
- During the first four weeks after leaving office, there were an average of 53 clicks on Trump articles daily – up to 100, based on highs and lows over the past year.
- In the last two weeks, the average has dropped to 21.
Between the lines: Part of the decline was by choice. Trump’s CPAC speech on February 28 was his only public appearance since leaving office, and his appearance in the media was limited to a few network calls.
- Another part of the decline was forced on him: he no longer has his social media accounts, including his once dominant Twitter feed.
- In recent days, he has used bipartisan press statements.
By the numbers: Interest in Trump over the past year has peaked during the week of the January 6 siege, according to SocialFlow data. It was also high during election week and when he contracted the coronavirus.
- In spite of high viewing for Trump’s CPAC speech, the day after the speech, which was the least acted day of January 2020.
The conclusion: After four years of being subjugated by Trump, the political and media worlds are adjusting to their new normal.