Podcaster Joe Rogan said he has been left-wing for most of his life and called President Donald Trump's supporters "nuts" and "rabid."
Rogan endorsed Trump in the 2024 election after the candidate appeared on his podcast, which is often considered part of the "manosphere" that helped buoy Trump's reelection bid. Rogan has spoken out about parts of the second Trump presidency, like mass deportations and the war in Iran, but still appeared as a commentator at the Freedom 250 UFC Fight Night at the White House.
Speaking with comedian and actor Ron White in an episode that aired Sept. 16, Rogan seemed to distance himself from the president's fanbase. From his studio in Austin, Texas, he said he liked Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate James Talarico,
running against Ken Paxton. They also laughed at country star Jelly Roll's recent jokes about Trump. Here is what he had to say:
Joe Rogan says he has been 'left-wing my whole life'
Rogan and White were talking about critiques of Comedy Mothership, Rogan's comedy club in Austin, Texas. Rogan said people assumed the entire club leaned right-wing because of his association with it. Plus, Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe, who caused controversy at a 2024 Trump campaign rally at Madison Square Garden, tapes his weekly "Kill Tony" show at the club.
"People also connect me to that ... mostly think that's cuz they don't know me," Rogan said. "Because I look right-wing and I did kind of help Trump."
White goes on to laugh before Rogan pops in to say, "I've been left-wing my whole life."
Rogan described many of his views as "left-wing" but said he had been worried about government overreach.
"What we were sold with the Trump administration would be (overreach) would end, and there'd be a 'drain the swamp,'" Rogan said. "Obviously, it's not been ideal in that regard."
Rogan also said he would debate Hinchcliffe, who he classified as fully right-wing. Still, he echoed some commonly right-wing stances, calling "open borders," COVID mandates and vaccine requirements "insane."
Joe Rogan discusses abortion, women's rights
White said he voted for former President Joe Biden out of concerns for women's rights, which Rogan clarified he meant abortion access.
"The abortion rights thing is a weird one," Rogan said. "I don't think I have a right to tell anybody what to do with their body. I'm not a woman. I've never been pregnant."
He then goes on to express fear about abortions that happen later in pregnancy, which are exceedingly rare. Before the Dobbs decision overturned the right to an abortion, about 1% of abortions occurred after 21 weeks, according to KFF.
Rogan calls Trump supporters 'rabid'
Rogan and White were discussing country star Jelly Roll's August appearanceon "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" a late-night show that has long been at odds with the Trump administration. Jelly Roll was discussing his weight loss journey when he took some digs at Trump.
"Think about this, y'all. In the last few years, I've lost 300 pounds. That means I've lost an entire Donald Trump," the 41-year-old singer said. "And let's be honest, based on his approval ratings, it seems like most of the country wants to do the same thing."
Rogan and White were discussing the singer's dip into comedy and the backlash against the monologue.
"Trump supporters are (expletive) nuts, man. They're rabid. He represents something other than just a person to them," Rogan said. "He represents ... a leader they wish they had."
Contributing: Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY
Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter), Threads, Bluesky and TikTok.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joe Rogan calls Trump supporters 'nuts' after 2024 endorsement
