On the eve of Election Day, Joe Rogan, the influential podcast host with millions of followers, made waves by publicly endorsing Donald Trump for president. This endorsement, announced on X (formerly Twitter), follows Rogan’s recent high-profile interviews with both Trump and tech magnate Elon Musk on The Joe Rogan Experience, where the two discussed the upcoming election and political landscape.
Rogan’s endorsement has sparked widespread interest, particularly because of his past stance as politically independent. Known for his balanced approach to diverse guests and topics, Rogan had previously described himself as “not a Trump supporter” and often leaned toward a nonpartisan perspective. His decision to endorse Trump marks a major shift, especially given his past support for other political figures like Bernie Sanders in 2020 and, more recently, admiration for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who briefly ran as an independent this cycle before also endorsing Trump.
Rogan’s endorsement post on X included a promotional clip of his latest interview with Musk, in which he candidly wrote, “For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump.” This announcement came just two weeks after his lengthy interview with Trump, an episode that drew millions of views and considerable attention online. During that discussion, Trump made a point of urging Rogan to consider supporting his campaign, mentioning Musk’s endorsement and emphasizing that Rogan “can’t be voting for Kamala.” Trump added, “You’re not a Kamala person. I know you.”
The great and powerful @elonmusk.
If it wasn’t for him we’d be fucked. He makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you’ll hear, and I agree with him every step of the way.
For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump.
Enjoy the podcast pic.twitter.com/LdBxZFVsLN— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) November 5, 2024
The conversation between Trump and Rogan gave way to a candid reflection on the state of American politics. Trump, as always, doubled down on his commitment to policies he argues are aligned with the everyday American and his vision for a prosperous nation. Meanwhile, Rogan, known for his unfiltered questions and critical eye, explored the complexities of Trump’s candidacy and the controversies surrounding his time in office. Rogan’s endorsement signals that he believes Trump’s stance resonates with issues he sees as critical to America’s future.
In his recent podcast interview with Musk, Rogan pointed to Trump’s imperfections but questioned the broader narrative that frames Trump as an imminent threat to American democracy. “[Democrats] have done such a job of painting Trump as a monster,” he said. “They’ve taken the worst things that he’s ever said and amplified them.” Rogan emphasized that no candidate is perfect, but he has grown skeptical of the messaging that Trump will undermine democracy. He also criticized the portrayal of Vice President Kamala Harris as the preferred candidate of the future, expressing frustration over what he sees as an orchestrated effort to build her up using media influence.
Musk, who has been vocal about his own concerns over Harris and the current administration, made his position clear in his recent conversation with Rogan, even warning that “If Trump doesn’t win, I think this is the last election.” Rogan agreed, reflecting the concerns held by some Americans that this election carries heightened stakes for the country’s direction. Musk’s opinions seem to have resonated deeply with Rogan, further bolstering his decision to endorse Trump publicly.
The endorsement reverberated throughout social media, and Trump himself acknowledged the news at a rally in Pittsburgh on Monday night. Announcing Rogan’s support to his audience, Trump expressed gratitude, saying, “I have some more big news now… And his name is Joe Rogan, and he’s never done this before… I just want to thank Joe Rogan. That’s fantastic.” Rogan’s support has added to Trump’s list of endorsements, which includes a mix of high-profile public figures, influencers, and other media personalities, helping him build momentum among diverse groups of voters.
Rogan’s endorsement is notable given his longstanding stance of staying somewhat removed from direct political endorsements. He has often expressed reluctance about influencing his audience’s political decisions, famously stating, “I’m not the guy to get political information from.” This new development highlights Rogan’s shift toward political involvement, one that he attributes to the unique and pressing issues of this election cycle.
The influence of Rogan’s podcast is significant, with an estimated 14.5 million followers on Spotify alone. The recent interview with Trump has already amassed over 45 million views on YouTube, underscoring Rogan’s role in shaping national conversations. His audience is diverse, comprising individuals from across the political spectrum, though his endorsement may carry more weight with younger voters and independents who respect his candid, open-dialogue approach.
The endorsement also adds another dimension to Rogan’s previously complex political affiliations. While he endorsed Bernie Sanders in the 2020 Democratic primary, he has increasingly leaned toward figures outside the mainstream political establishment. His admiration for RFK Jr. and public discussion with Musk reflect a broader inclination toward candidates who challenge the status quo. Rogan’s endorsement of Trump appears to signal a dissatisfaction with what he sees as the current administration’s shortcomings and a belief that Trump represents a preferable alternative.
Political analysts are closely watching how Rogan’s endorsement might affect voter behavior. With such a substantial audience, Rogan’s influence extends well beyond traditional media, especially among groups that often feel alienated from mainstream narratives. As Election Day unfolds, the impact of Rogan’s endorsement will be clearer, but it has already stirred significant conversation online and across political communities.
In the final hours before Election Day, Rogan’s support for Trump provides a last-minute boost, reinforcing Trump’s appeal among independent and undecided voters who may be similarly frustrated with the current administration. As Rogan continues to expand his role as a cultural and political influencer, his endorsement has underscored the unique and unpredictable dynamics of the 2024 election. Whether or not his words translate into votes for Trump, Rogan’s stance marks a major shift in his public persona and amplifies his voice in American politics.
