The Rogan Reversal: Has the Podcaster’s Trump Train Derailed?
The dust has settled from the 2024 Presidential election, and while the candidates themselves are navigating the new political landscape, a different kind of power shift is occurring in the media world. It appears that Joe Rogan, the ubiquitous podcast host, may be experiencing a decline in influence after seemingly playing a significant role in Donald Trump’s return to the White House. Ironically, Rogan’s success in amplifying Trump’s message may have inadvertently paved the way for his own potential downfall, as his audience seemingly reconsiders their alignment with his increasingly right-leaning worldview.
Rogan’s influence was undeniable leading up to the election. His platform, "The Joe Rogan Experience," had become a cultural juggernaut, capable of shaping public opinion and driving narratives with unprecedented reach. His willingness to host controversial guests and engage in often unfiltered discussions appealed to a broad audience, ranging from casual listeners to devoted followers. However, since Trump’s inauguration, the tide seems to be turning.
According to a report in The Daily Beast, Rogan has been dethroned from the top spot on the podcast charts by MeidasTouch, an anti-Trump podcast hosted by the Meiselas brothers. The news seems to have struck a nerve with Rogan, who responded with a dismissive "Who?" on Twitter, a classic display of feigned indifference that thinly veils a bruised ego. The data speaks for itself: MeidasTouch has amassed 56 million downloads and views across all platforms through February, eclipsing the Joe Rogan Experience’s 48.6 million. Even more strikingly, MeidasTouch’s audience has surged by 101% in the past month, while Rogan’s viewership has shrunk by nearly a third.
While Rogan’s staunch supporters dismiss MeidasTouch’s rise as inorganic, there are indications that Rogan himself may be alienating portions of his audience. A recent Politico article highlighted growing discontent among Rogan’s listeners, particularly regarding his unwavering and often uncritical admiration for Elon Musk. The piece cites discussions on the r/JoeRogan subreddit, where some subscribers are questioning the podcaster’s anti-establishment credentials, given his seemingly unquestioning support for a billionaire and his associates, as well as the current administration.
There’s no denying Rogan’s shift towards a pro-Trump stance. He has embraced figures within Trump’s orbit and even attended the inauguration, solidifying his position as a prominent voice on the right. However, his continued promotion of Musk and his circle, who often demonstrate a superficial understanding of complex issues, appears to be backfiring. A quick search on Twitter reveals numerous clips of Rogan episodes featuring guests like Marc Andreessen making demonstrably false claims, such as the assertion that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is "debanking" tech founders. Such inaccuracies raise red flags for listeners with even a modicum of critical thinking skills.
Rogan’s embrace of this world is, in some ways, understandable. It coincided with a period of explosive growth and influence, particularly after facing criticism during the Covid-19 lockdowns for platforming anti-science voices. However, it seems that he may have become too enamored with the technofascist ideology, pushing away a segment of his audience.
To be fair, Rogan’s initial "Who?" response to MeidasTouch’s success isn’t entirely unwarranted. While the MeidasTouch account has gained significant traction on Twitter through viral clips and anti-Trump news headlines, the individuals behind the podcast, Ben, Brett, and Jordy Meiselas, remain relatively unknown to the general public. The brothers gained prominence during the 2020 presidential election by creating impactful attack ads against Trump and his Republican allies, attracting funding and expanding their operation.
It’s also worth noting that MeidasTouch and Rogan have a history, albeit a contentious one. A MeidasTouch affiliate, PatriotTakes, previously brought Rogan into controversy by circulating clips of him using the n-word.
For those hoping that MeidasTouch could become "the Left’s Joe Rogan," the Meiselas brothers may not be the ideal candidates. They have successfully carved out a niche in the left-leaning media landscape, effectively amplifying awareness of right-wing extremism. However, their content often leans heavily into "#TheResistance" rhetoric, and a cynical perspective might view them as marketers rather than genuine activists.
As Rolling Stone pointed out in 2021, MeidasTouch has excelled at fundraising, but the allocation of those funds has not demonstrably benefited Democratic candidates or causes. Instead, it has primarily benefited the brothers themselves, who now, at least temporarily, helm the nation’s top podcast. Their actions moving forward will likely determine the longevity of their reign. The question remains whether they will utilize their platform to further meaningful change or simply cater to the whims of their own preferred billionaires.
Ultimately, the shift in podcast rankings suggests a potential re-evaluation of Rogan’s influence and the narratives he promotes. Whether this is a temporary blip or a sign of a more profound shift in the media landscape remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the podcasting world is a dynamic and unpredictable space, where even the most dominant voices can be challenged and overthrown. The Rogan Reversal may be a harbinger of a broader trend, signaling a growing demand for alternative perspectives and a rejection of the increasingly polarized and often misinformed narratives that have come to dominate the media landscape.
