(DCNF)—Several corporate media outlets have reported that President Donald Trump’s inauguration received lower ratings than former President Joe Biden’s, though Trump’s event garnered millions of additional viewers on streaming platforms.
The New York Times, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, The Washington Times and others rushed to point out that Biden’s inaugural ceremony received an estimated average of 33.7 million views on cable networks, while Trump’s average cable viewership added up to 24.6 million. While the television viewership lagged behind Biden’s, Trump’s inaugural ceremony received 36 million views on X alone and over 5.2 million on the president’s personal YouTube page.
In addition to the president’s personal broadcasts of the event, ABC News, which aired Trump’s full speech on YouTube, reached over 1 million views as of Wednesday. CNN and The Daily Wire both received over 800,000 views on their YouTube livestreams, while MSNBC almost reached 1 million views on its full coverage of the ceremony as of Wednesday on the same platform.
The Associated Press’ YouTube livestream of the inauguration received 2.1 million views as of Wednesday.
On Rumble, Trump’s inaugural ceremony garnered 446,000 views, while the airing of the parade received 689,000 views.
The media is giddy the ratings for Trump’s inauguration are down but they only factor in traditional media.
5 million people watched it on YouTube alone.
My question is how many people watched it on Twitch, Rumble, X and TikTok.
— Insurrection Barbie (@DefiyantlyFree) January 22, 2025
Trump’s inauguration reached a peak of 34.4 million views around 12:15 p.m. on the major TV networks, while Biden’s reached 40 million and Trump’s first inaugural speech in 2017 reached a peak of 38.3 million views, according to Nielsen. The television viewership was lowest among individuals between the ages 18-34, an age group that has largely turned to digital platforms and podcast streams.
Nielsen analyzed the data from across 15 networks that aired the inauguration from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The networks analyzed were ABC, CBS, NBC, Merit Street Media, Telemundo, Univision, CNBC, CNN, CNN en español, FOX News Channel, FOX Business Network, MSNBC, Newsmax, NewsNation and PBS.
Cable news networks have witnessed a decline in viewership in recent years as a growing number of Americans, particularly young Americans, turn to streaming platforms and social media apps. In 2024, Fox News, CNN and MSNBC’s total viewership went down since 2020 and declined in viewership in the key 25-54 demographic, according to AdWeek.
MSNBC’s ratings plummeted by 53% immediately following Trump’s defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election, while its primetime rating are currently down 58% since the election, according to The New York Times. Since the election, CNN witnessed a 45% drop in prime-time viewership.
CNN’s airing of the inauguration reached 1.7 million viewers, down from its 10 million views during Biden’s inauguration. MSNBC, which had 6.5 million views during Biden’s inauguration, garnered 848,000 during Trump’s speech. Fox News’ audience reached 10.3 million views, similar to its viewership of the president’s inauguration in 2017.
Trump appeared on a range of podcasts during the 2024 election, most notably “The Joe Rogan Experience” after his 18-year-old son, Barron, suggested that he make an appearance on the popular show. The president has largely credited his son for going on several widely streamed podcasts that are popular among Generation Z voters.
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Safeguarding Your American Dream: Discover the Power of America First Healthcare
In today’s economy, healthcare costs remain one of the biggest threats to financial stability and family security. Americans work hard to build a better life, yet rising medical expenses can quickly erode savings, force tough trade-offs, and even push families toward debt or bankruptcy. Medical bills continue to rank as the leading cause of personal bankruptcy in the United States, with millions facing underinsurance or unexpected out-of-pocket burdens that no one plans for. Many turn to government-run marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act, hoping for relief, only to discover that what appears affordable on paper often delivers higher long-term costs, limited real protection, and coverage that may not align with personal values or family needs.
America First Healthcare stands out as a private insurance agency dedicated to helping conservatives and families secure better coverage and better rates through customized, values-aligned options. By conducting free insurance reviews, the agency uncovers hidden gaps in existing policies and connects clients with private alternatives that emphasize personal responsibility, small-government principles, and genuine affordability—often delivering up to 20% savings while providing stronger protection for the American Dream.
The allure of marketplace plans is easy to understand: open enrollment periods, premium tax credits for many households, and the promise of “comprehensive” benefits mandated by law. Yet recent data reveals a different reality, especially after the expiration of enhanced premium subsidies at the end of 2025. Enrollment for 2026 dropped by more than one million people compared to the prior year, with many shifting to lower-tier bronze plans to keep monthly premiums manageable.
These plans feature significantly higher deductibles—averaging around $7,500 nationally—and greater cost-sharing requirements. Families who once paid modest amounts after subsidies now face average premium increases of $65 or more per month, even as they accept plans that leave them responsible for thousands in upfront costs before meaningful coverage kicks in.
High deductibles create a dangerous barrier to care. Studies show that people in such plans are less likely to seek timely treatment for chronic conditions, attend preventive screenings, or fill necessary prescriptions. A seemingly minor illness or injury can balloon into major expenses when patients delay care until problems worsen. For a family of four, a single hospitalization, cancer diagnosis, or unexpected surgery can easily exceed the deductible, triggering coinsurance and out-of-pocket maximums that still leave substantial bills. One recent analysis noted that some proposed changes could push family deductibles toward $31,000 in future years, further exposing households to financial risk.
Beyond the numbers, marketplace plans often carry structural limitations. Coverage for certain critical services may include waiting periods or narrower networks that restrict access to preferred doctors and specialists. Preventive care is required to be covered without cost-sharing, but everything else—lab work, imaging, specialist visits, or ongoing treatment—typically waits until the deductible is met. This reactive model contrasts sharply with the proactive, holistic approach many families prefer, especially those focused on wellness, early intervention, and maintaining health to enjoy life rather than merely reacting to illness.
Values alignment represents another growing concern. Government-influenced plans operate within a framework shaped by federal mandates and political priorities that may not reflect conservative principles of limited government, personal freedom, and ethical stewardship. Families who want to direct their healthcare dollars toward providers and benefits that honor traditional values sometimes find marketplace options feel misaligned, forcing a compromise between affordability and conviction.
Private alternatives, by contrast, offer year-round flexibility without the restrictions of open enrollment windows. Independent agents can shop across a wider range of carriers to design plans tailored to specific family needs—whether that means lower deductibles for frequent medical users, broader provider networks, or add-ons that support wellness and preventive services from day one. Clients frequently report more stable premiums that do not automatically escalate each year, along with genuine cost savings once the full picture of deductibles, copays, and coverage depth is considered.
Take the experience of real families who made the switch. Amanda C. shared that her new plan felt “way better” than what she had through the marketplace. Johnny Y. noted his previous coverage kept increasing annually until he found a more stable private option. Sofia S. expressed delight with her plan and began recommending it to others. These stories echo a common theme: when families move beyond one-size-fits-all government marketplaces, they often discover customized protection that better safeguards both health and finances.
Founder Jordan Sarmiento’s own journey underscores the stakes. In 2021, a six-day hospitalization generated a $95,000 bill. Under a well-structured private “Conservative Care Coverage” plan, his out-of-pocket responsibility would have been just $500. That stark difference illustrates how thoughtful planning and private options can prevent a medical event from becoming a financial catastrophe.
Practical steps exist for anyone questioning their current coverage. Start with a no-obligation review of your existing policy to identify gaps—high deductibles, limited critical-care benefits, or escalating premiums. Compare total projected costs (premiums plus potential out-of-pocket expenses) rather than monthly premiums alone. Consider family health history, anticipated needs, and lifestyle priorities. Private agencies can present side-by-side options that include stronger wellness incentives, broader access, and plans built on shared values of self-reliance and freedom.
In an era when healthcare inflation continues to outpace general cost-of-living increases, relying solely on marketplace solutions carries growing risk. Families who proactively explore private alternatives frequently achieve meaningful savings while gaining peace of mind that their coverage truly works when needed most.
America First Healthcare makes this exploration straightforward through its free review process. Families and individuals receive personalized guidance to close coverage holes, reduce unnecessary expenses, and secure plans that align with conservative principles—protecting wallets, health, and the American Dream without government overreach. Many who complete a review discover they can enjoy better benefits for less, often saving up to 20% while gaining the customization and stability that marketplace plans struggle to deliver.
Ultimately, protecting your family’s future requires looking beyond the marketing of “affordable” government options. By understanding the long-term costs hidden in high deductibles, shifting coverage tiers, and values mismatches, Americans can make empowered choices. Private, values-driven insurance offers a smarter path—one that rewards diligence, supports wellness, and delivers real security. For those ready to move beyond the limitations of traditional marketplace plans, a simple review can reveal options designed to serve families, not bureaucracies. The American Dream thrives when individuals and families retain control over their healthcare decisions, and thoughtful private coverage plays a vital role in making that possible.



