From Obscurity to the White House: Dominick McGee’s Rise on X
Once an unnoticed online presence, Dominick McGee has transformed into a prominent MAGA influencer with a following of 1.5 million on X. In April, the 31-year-old captured a milestone by attending a Trump press briefing at the White House — a moment he proudly shared with his audience. Reflecting on his journey, McGee described himself as a ‘nobody’ with no clout or followers and marveled at how much he achieved in what he calls “the land of the free.”
The Path from Miami’s One-Bedroom to Social Media Spotlight
McGee’s story is striking. He started by sharing conspiracy theories from his Miami apartment, slowly carving out a niche as a controversial far-right voice. At one point, he ranked as the third most influential user on X, trailing only Elon Musk and Andrew Tate. His rapid rise, however, didn’t always guarantee financial security.
Controversy as Currency
McGee’s strategy is straightforward: provoke and post relentlessly. Operating from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, he tests the platform’s algorithm, aiming to maximize engagement. One of his most viral posts targeted WNBA star Brittney Griner, encouraging users to misgender her, which garnered more than 11 million views. “I knew Brittney Griner would go viral — a perfect post to start the day,” McGee admitted.
Early Life and Radicalization
Raised in South Carolina, McGee once felt limited to a bleak future, considering gang affiliation or drug dealing as likely paths. Turning away from these, he enlisted in the Army, then pursued education at Penn State through a veterans’ program. He dabbled in music and fashion before embracing the political fervor of Trump’s “Stop the Steal” campaign, which catapulted him into the online spotlight. His Facebook group, however, was banned for spreading false election claims, pushing him to focus efforts on X, where controversial content often found financial reward — albeit inconsistently.
Unpredictable Earnings and Financial Struggles
From 2023 onward, McGee earned approximately $157,000 through X’s revenue-sharing scheme. The first year brought in $67,000, but after being expelled from the program in 2024, his income plunged dramatically to about $12,000. Despite complaining directly to platform leadership and receiving assurances, payment remained erratic, with a subsequent $16,000 payout being the only relief.
In addition, McGee made roughly $62,000 through fan subscriptions charged at $10 per month. He once secured a $150,000 deal promoting a MAGA-themed cryptocurrency — a venture that quickly collapsed, losing over 90% of its value. Left with limited resources, McGee confessed he sometimes had less than $10 in his bank account, relying on digital earnings to cover rent, food, and even his dog's meals.
His earnings last year reportedly remained below $55,000. “Compared to my broke past, $150,000 feels like a fortune,” he said, “but honestly, I’m still one of the ‘poor creators’.” One major frustration remains the platform’s lack of transparency regarding earnings per post, leaving creators unable to plan financially. “It’s insane for any adult to live like that,” McGee criticized.
Pivoting Strategy: From Politics to Viral Media
Recently, McGee has shifted gears by launching a podcast and creating short viral videos aimed at wider audiences. Recording from a Miami apartment, his show focuses on celebrity news and pop culture—lighter content designed to draw in viewers before delving into political commentary. This approach, often referred to as a ‘survival mechanism,’ is used by several influencers seeking broader reach.
Enduring Controversy
Controversy clings to McGee’s online presence. In 2023, he faced suspension from X after sharing a graphic image related to child sexual abuse—a post he says was misunderstood. Further, a recent podcast guest stirred criticism for using a homophobic slur and espousing white nationalist ideas, to which McGee reacted with visible discomfort, acknowledging that social media had radicalized his guest somewhat.
For McGee, visibility is paramount. “The first goal is to be seen,” he says, emphasizing how social media platforms amplify voices willing to provoke and engage.
