Former President Donald Trump aimed to connect with younger male voters during a three-hour interview with popular podcaster Joe Rogan, released on Friday night. Taped in Austin, Texas, the conversation covered a range of topics, including UFOs, familiar rally anecdotes, and Trump’s hypermasculine campaign themes for the 2024 election.
Trump has increasingly spotlighted masculinity, appearing on shows that cater to young male audiences and utilizing surrogates who often use straightforward language. The Joe Rogan Experience has a significant following, reportedly reaching over 14 million listeners on Spotify, the platform ranking it as the most popular podcast in the U.S.
During the interview, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to welcoming Robert F. Kennedy Jr. into his administration, despite acknowledged differences on environmental policies. Kennedy, a prominent vaccine skeptic, has garnered attention for fostering doubts about vaccines’ safety, which contradicts the scientific consensus on immunization.
Economic issues also featured prominently in their dialogue, particularly Trump’s assertion that replacing federal income taxes with tariffs on foreign imports would benefit the U.S. economy, citing historical precedence from the late 19th century.
Trump revisited grievances related to the 2020 election, while claiming that if he wins the upcoming election, it would be his final bid for office. He also expressed skepticism about extraterrestrial life, mentioning that during his presidency, he received considerable information about unidentified aerial phenomena but chose not to delve deep into the topic.
In discussing U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, Trump criticized federal incentives supporting this industry as part of President Biden’s agenda, and he expressed discontent with Taiwan regarding its role in the chip business, suggesting it had undercut American interests.
Rogan’s audience is notably diverse and politically varied, presenting candidates with a prime opportunity to engage with both independent voters and younger demographics in the lead-up to the November 5 election.
Joe Rogan, 57, is an established figure who began as a comedian and actor, later gaining fame for hosting the reality show Fear Factor and launching The Joe Rogan Experience in 2009. His podcast began attracting millions of listeners and transitioned to an exclusive deal with Spotify in 2020, which he renewed in 2024.
Rogan describes himself as not aligning strictly with conservative values and represents a wide range of political opinions on his podcast, having interviewed guests across the spectrum. Currently residing in Austin, Texas, Rogan shares his life with his wife, Jessica Ditzel, and their children.