Trump’s Social Guru Makes Awkward Appearance at Post-RNC Speech

— -- During a lengthy speech intended to serve as a thank you to supporters, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump called on Dan Scavino, his campaign social media director, to report on another campaign milestone today in Cleveland.

Scavino went out of his way to thank “President Trump” as he stepped up to the podium and delivered an effusive description of the party’s engagement with supporters during the Republican National Convention.

“Twitter, last night, exploded. Facebook exploded. Instagram exploded,” Scavino told reporters. “We had over 85 million [video] views on in a four to five day period.”

Trump looked on approvingly during the brief remarks with running mate Mike Pence and Pence’s wife, Karen, and daughter, Charlotte, standing nearby.

Trump has used his social media accounts to attack rivals and draw headlines. His use of Twitter is prolific and often controversial. On Thursday, his @realDonaldTrump Twitter account hit 10 million followers, according to Scavino.

Scavino first met Trump in 1990 when he worked as a caddy for the New York businessman. Scavino was 16 at the time.

Scavino also took the opportunity to reveal the campaign’s approach to outreach and communication, and deliver a shot at the media.

“When Mr. Trump wants to get a message out…when things aren’t necessarily working out with CNN or somebody,” said Scavino, “[w]e can put it on his platform and get more views just on one of those social media accounts.”

During the event in Cleveland Trump also praised members of his campaign team, including former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski, press secretary Hope Hicks and current campaign manager Paul Manafort.