On the eve of the U.S. presidential election, podcaster Joe Rogan publicly endorsed Donald Trump, adding his voice to the list of high-profile figures backing the former president. Announced on X (formerly Twitter), Rogan’s endorsement has sparked interest, particularly among his predominantly young, male audience, many of whom have previously supported Trump in polls. Rogan’s following is significant, as The Joe Rogan Experience, with over 14 million followers on Spotify alone, could potentially influence his endorsement in the race between Trump and Democratic candidate Kamala Harris.
Rogan’s support for Trump follows a series of conversations with notable guests, including billionaire Elon Musk, who has also been a firm supporter of Trump in the 2024 U.S. Election. In late October, Rogan hosted Trump on his podcast for an extensive three-hour discussion covering a wide range of political and social issues. The episode quickly gained traction, amassing more than 45 million views on YouTube, sparking conversation across media channels.
Although Rogan’s support for Trump is a new development, his leanings had been apparent, as he had previously shown enthusiasm for independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., saying that he is “the only one that makes sense to me.” However, Kennedy eventually left the race and endorsed Trump, possibly paving the way for Rogan’s shift.
Rogan confirmed his endorsement of Trump in a post on X that featured a clip from his interview with Musk, in which the two discussed Trump’s policies. Rogan added his endorsement with a clear statement: “For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump.” He also noted that Musk made “the most compelling case for Trump,” expressing his agreement with Trump’s positions.
Rogan’s endorsement aligns Trump with an influential group of online and media personalities, as the former president has increasingly focused on digital platforms like podcasts and social media, hoping to attract a younger audience. Trump’s appearance on Rogan’s podcast, with its massive reach, provided him with a direct line to a key voting demographic: young, largely male listeners who often lean conservative. According to a recent YouGov poll, 81% of Rogan’s listeners are male, and the majority are under 35, which polling data indicates skews toward Trump.
Harris’s campaign has also shown interest in the podcast format, though with different results. Harris’s team reportedly considered an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience but requested a one-hour session in New York, which conflicted with Rogan’s preference for in-studio interviews at his Austin location. However, the arrangement did not come to fruition.
Unlike the shorter timeframes offered to Harris, Trump and Musk’s recent conversations with Rogan were lengthy and unscripted, covering topics from policy to culture. This format aligns with Trump’s approach to campaign messaging, reaching beyond traditional media to more conversational platforms.
While Rogan’s support gives Trump a boost among certain demographics, Harris has received endorsements from a wider range of public figures. Her high-profile supporters include actress Meryl Streep, comedian Chris Rock, and singer Taylor Swift. These endorsements reflect her campaign’s appeal across the entertainment industry, though her efforts to reach podcast listeners have been more limited.
As the election nears, Rogan’s endorsement highlights a shift in political campaigns. Digital platforms and influencer-driven media now play a major role in reaching voters, especially young ones. This shift marks a departure from the reliance on rallies and TV appearances, moving toward more personalized and direct engagement. We have yet to see whether Joe Rogan and other celebrity influence will make a difference in the tight competition between Trump and Harris.
