In a last-minute announcement that has sparked widespread debate, influential podcaster Joe Rogan publicly endorsed Donald Trump for president, citing the influence of tech mogul Elon Musk. Rogan’s endorsement, shared on X, came alongside a link to a three-hour interview with Musk, where the two discussed Trump, media, and politics.
Rogan Cites Musk in Endorsement of Trump
Joe Rogan, the host of The Joe Rogan Experience and one of the world’s most-followed podcasters, announced his endorsement of Donald Trump on Monday night. Posting on X, Rogan wrote that Musk “makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you’ll hear,” adding, “I agree with him every step of the way.”
The statement accompanied a link to a lengthy interview with Musk, where Rogan and Musk discussed a range of topics, including Musk’s endorsement of Trump. “For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump,” Rogan added, clearly marking his support for the former president in a closely contested 2024 election.
Rogan’s endorsement is a significant media moment, given his influence and massive following. Known for his outsider persona and his lengthy, freewheeling conversations with a mix of high-profile and controversial guests, Rogan has gained an audience that turns to him as a source outside of traditional news outlets.
The Influence of Elon Musk’s Views
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has become a major political influencer in his own right. Musk, who purchased X (formerly Twitter) and transformed it, has become a polarizing figure, often sharing unfiltered opinions on politics and economics. In the interview with Rogan, Musk explained his reasons for supporting Trump, which Rogan described as “compelling.”
Rogan echoed Musk’s points, explaining that he, too, felt Trump represented the direction the country needed. As he wrote on X, “Musk makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you’ll hear.” For Rogan’s vast audience, this endorsement could be impactful, especially given the timing of the announcement, made just a day before the 2024 election.
“In an era where traditional media has lost trust,” said a political media analyst, “Rogan’s endorsement could be more influential than endorsements from mainstream outlets.”
Rogan’s History of Controversy
Rogan, a former mixed martial arts commentator and comedian, has never been far from the spotlight—or from controversy. His podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, is the top podcast on Spotify, which signed him in a $100 million deal in 2020. Since then, Rogan has gained even more attention and criticism for some of his guest choices and controversial opinions.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Rogan attracted criticism for spreading what many experts called “misinformation” about vaccines and COVID treatments. His stance against young people getting vaccinated and promotion of ivermectin, a drug not approved for COVID-19 treatment, led to a backlash from healthcare professionals. In January 2022, 270 doctors and scientists signed an open letter urging Spotify to address the spread of misinformation on his platform.
Additionally, his past use of the “n-word” and interviews with far-right figures, including Alex Jones and Gavin McInnes, have led to calls for boycotts of Spotify. Rogan eventually apologized for using offensive language, though he maintained that his show is about “free expression and open discussion” rather than endorsements of any one viewpoint.
Why Rogan’s Trump Endorsement Matters
Rogan’s endorsement of Trump is not simply another celebrity endorsement; it’s one that comes from an influential media personality with an audience that spans political affiliations. With an overwhelmingly male following and an audience skeptical of mainstream news, Rogan’s influence over millions could sway undecided or independent voters.
For Trump, who has struggled to gain support from certain demographics, Rogan’s endorsement offers a unique advantage. “Rogan’s endorsement appeals to a demographic that doesn’t necessarily trust traditional endorsements,” said a media analyst, noting that Rogan’s reach surpasses that of most traditional news programs.
This endorsement also marks a significant shift in Rogan’s previous neutrality. Despite often hosting controversial guests, Rogan has typically refrained from overt political endorsements, making this statement more notable. Rogan’s “outsider” image aligns with Trump’s anti-establishment rhetoric, potentially deepening his appeal to voters wary of traditional media and political elites.
Endorsement with Implications
Joe Rogan’s endorsement of Donald Trump underscores the increasing importance of non-traditional media voices in shaping political opinion. In a polarized political landscape, endorsements from figures like Rogan, who command a unique audience, may have as much impact—if not more—than those from mainstream outlets.
Rogan’s embrace of Musk’s case for Trump reflects a broader trend of high-profile figures bypassing conventional news outlets in favor of platforms like podcasts and social media. Whether Rogan’s endorsement will significantly affect the outcome remains to be seen, but it certainly highlights a new era of influence—one where voices outside the mainstream wield substantial sway in the political arena.
