Donald Trump An ‘Existential Threat to Democracy’ According to Controversial Podcast Host Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan has been making friends everywhere these days, it seems. From his controversial takes on transgender athletes to his
Ellie Mason
Joe Rogan has been making friends everywhere these days, it seems. From his controversial takes on transgender athletes to his thoughts on vaccines, Rogan is generally the mouthpiece of a generation of conservative voters who like his blunt style.
But Rogan has run afoul of those same voters recently, lashing out at former President Donald Trump, explaining that he refuses to interview him on his popular podcast.
Here's what Rogan had to say about Trump this week and why voters are so torn between their favorite commentator – and their favorite outsider politician.
Rogan’s Thoughts on Trump
Rogan is first and foremost a comedian and sports commentator, with a straightforward approach that appeals to millions.
He's also currently the highest paid podcaster on Spotify, spitting his opinions to the tune of a $200M contract with the streaming giant.
This week though, Rogan was focused on a target that caused turmoil among some of his most diehard fans: Donald Trump.
Rogan this week called Trump, "a polarizing figure" and went on to describe him as "an existential threat to democracy." The host says he's had several changes to interview Trump, but turns him down on principle.
The New York Times reports, "'I’ve had the opportunity to have him on my show more than once. I’ve said no every time,' Mr. Rogan, the host of 'The Joe Rogan Experience,' said on Lex Fridman’s podcast on Monday. 'I don’t want to help him.'”
Unfortunately for fans, it's putting two of their favorite public figures at odds with one another – a grim new direction of attack for the former President who's eyeing an announcement for a 2024 run to deflect from heat he's catching in every direction.
But hope is not all lost for Trump supporters who listen to Rogan – the host went on to explain that Trump's chances aren't terrible if he runs against President Joe Biden, whom Rogan describes as, "rambling" and "seeing ghosts."
A Truth Posting Frenzy
But it would seem that Trump himself is a little worried.
The former president may be trying to play it cool, but the posting frenzy he's engaging in on his social media platform Truth suggests he's not as collected and calm as he's trying to appear.
Analysts believe Trump is close to announcing his intention to run for the Republican nomination in 2024, hoping that the announcement will deflect heat from the House panel investigating his culpability into the riots on January 6.
The Independent writes, "In a posting spree on Tuesday, the former president — who has 3.4 million users on Truth Social — appeared to boast about the popularity he has gained since the deadly riots last year."
Trump then blasted his thoughts on everything from tariffs on China to RINO politicians, border politics to the euro – signaling that he's trying to capture people's attention and reassert his authority as a leader.
Unfortunately, many are seeing his frenzied posts and intention to announce his candidacy earlier than initially planned as perhaps a sign of desperation.
His next moves will decide whether people view his upcoming run for the nomination as a clever play – or an unbalanced flail.