Joe Rogan, a well-known podcaster, has given his official endorsement to Donald Trump for the upcoming presidential election, an announcement that may not come as a shock to many. The endorsement was shared just before Election Day on November 5 through an impromptu episode featuring Elon Musk, a prominent businessman and outspoken supporter of Trump.
On his podcast, Rogan stated, “Musk makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you’ll hear, and I agree with him every step of the way.” He subsequently confirmed on social media, “For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump.” This is a notable shift from Rogan’s previous stance in June 2021, when he expressed concern about Trump following the January 6 Capitol attack, describing Trump as “dangerous” for inciting his supporters to act irrationally.
Rogan’s support appears to have garnered a positive response from Trump, who thanked him for the endorsement on social media, highlighting the significance of Rogan’s influence among his listeners. In the past, Rogan had backed Bernie Sanders during the 2020 election cycle, showing a shift in his political alignment.
During their conversation, Musk emphasized the critical nature of the upcoming election, urging voters to consider the potential consequences of a Democratic win, claiming it could lead to significant demographic changes. He also noted the importance of male voter turnout, citing that women were voting in higher numbers.
Musk went further to argue that electing Trump is vital for the preservation of American democracy, describing the election as a crucial turning point and criticizing Democrats for perpetuating what he calls hoaxes. He referenced controversial comments Trump made in 2017 regarding the Charlottesville incident, defending Trump’s position while highlighting the contrasting narratives surrounding it.
In a longer discussion with Trump recorded on Rogan’s podcast, the former president reflected on his time in office and the challenges he faced, repeating his unfounded claims regarding the 2020 election being “rigged.” Rogan noted the peculiarities of interviewing Trump, including his impressive endurance, as the former president did not take any breaks during their marathon discussion.
This endorsement represents a significant moment in the political landscape as influential media figures like Rogan engage with established political candidates, potentially shaping public opinion leading into the elections. It illustrates how the dynamics of political endorsements have evolved, particularly within entertainment and social media.
As the election draws nearer, voters will be watching how such endorsements impact the campaigns, possibly bringing new voices into the political sphere while reflecting larger conversations about democracy, accountability, and civic engagement.