Joe Rogan has clarified his stance after facing criticism from supporters of Donald Trump’s Make America Great Again movement regarding remarks he made about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. During a recent episode of the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Rogan expressed appreciation for Kennedy as a candidate, emphasizing his issues with both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Rogan articulated that he believes both political parties prioritize manipulation over truth. “That’s just what they do. That’s politics,” he stated, noting how they gaslight and promote narratives. He gave credit to Kennedy for being an exception, describing him as sensible and reasonable, refraining from personal attacks and focusing instead on actions and ideas. Rogan highlighted Kennedy’s background as an environmental lawyer who significantly contributed to cleaning up New York’s East River.
However, following the backlash from Trump supporters who interpreted Rogan’s comments as an endorsement, the podcaster took to social media to clarify that he did not endorse Kennedy. “For the record, this isn’t an endorsement,” Rogan posted on X (formerly Twitter), expressing admiration for Kennedy’s civil and intelligent discourse. He also humorously remarked on Trump’s resilience, labeling it an “American” attitude.
The criticism from Trump supporters intensified, with many voicing their disappointment on social media. Some users questioned Rogan’s credibility, suggesting he had squandered an opportunity to make a positive impact. The backlash led to a #BoycottJoeRogan hashtag trending on X.
Trump himself joined in the criticism, posting on his Truth Social account about Rogan’s potential reception at future UFC events, where the podcaster also serves as a commentator. Trump has close ties to the UFC, further adding to the tension between the two figures.
Rogan’s podcast has been a dominant force on Spotify for the last four years, although it was recently revealed that it would no longer be exclusively available on the platform.
Kennedy, who comes from a prominent political family, has also faced scrutiny for espousing controversial views on public health and vaccine safety, which have led to his marginalization by some family members. His recent poll numbers show him with under 4 percent support in a head-to-head matchup against Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.
Kennedy’s platform includes proposals such as reforming social safety nets, tightening southern border security while enhancing legal immigration, and adopting a non-interventionist stance on international conflicts.
As of now, neither Rogan nor Kennedy’s campaign has publicly responded to requests for comment regarding the recent developments.