Brandon Gill, Youngest GOP Congressman, Rises with Trump-Loyalist Media Empire

Rep. Brandon Gill, a 30-year-old former Wall Street employee turned conservative media mogul, was sworn in Friday as the youngest member of the U.S. Congress. Representing Texas‘ 26th District, Gill replaces Rep. Michael Burgess and enters Congress with a strong foothold in right-wing media, thanks to his ties to conservative commentator Dinesh D’Souza and his creation of the hyperpartisan news blog DC Enquirer.

Gill’s political ascent is deeply intertwined with his media ventures. In 2022, he launched DC Enquirer, a pro-Trump news outlet that quickly gained traction on Facebook, surpassing The Washington Post in engagement metrics. The site’s success was bolstered by a network of Facebook pages owned by its parent company, The Boswell Project LLC, and frequent shares by former President Donald Trump on Truth Social. Gill’s site became a staple in the MAGA media ecosystem, with Trump even sending a thank-you note to one of its authors for praising his golf handicap.

Gill’s marriage to D’Souza’s daughter, Danielle, in 2017, and his collaboration with his father-in-law on projects like the controversial film “2000 Mules,” further cemented his place in conservative circles. The film, which promoted baseless claims of voter fraud, was widely circulated among conservative activists and inspired vigilante surveillance of ballot drop boxes during the 2022 midterms. Despite the film’s withdrawal from distribution and D’Souza’s admission of inaccuracies, Gill has continued to support its central premise.

Gill’s campaign for Congress benefited significantly from his media connections. He leveraged D’Souza’s social media accounts, which boast millions of followers, to amplify his message and appeared on popular pro-Trump programs. His campaign also received substantial donations from family members, including D’Souza, and conservative media figures. Despite opposition from Republican donors who sought to undermine his campaign, Gill emerged victorious, running unopposed for the House Republican Conference secretary position and securing seats on the Oversight and Budget Committees.

Gill’s political platform aligns closely with Trump’s, with little deviation on key issues. His campaign website echoed Trump’s rhetoric, and he has embraced far-right talking points on immigration and diversity. At a New York Young Republicans Club event, Gill praised Daniel Penny, who was acquitted after killing Jordan Neely on a subway train, stating, “I think we need a lot more Daniel Pennys in this country.” Gill has also expressed a lack of interest in bipartisanship, signaling a hardline approach to governance.

As a freshman congressman, Gill represents a new generation of Republican politicians who are deeply entrenched in conservative media and loyal to Trump. His rise underscores the growing influence of social media and right-wing media empires in shaping the future of the GOP.