Former President Donald Trump is scheduled to make a high-profile appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast this Friday, marking his first-ever interview with the popular host. The interview will be recorded in Austin, Texas, and comes just weeks ahead of the 2024 presidential election. This event is part of Trump's broader effort to reach younger male voters, a demographic that heavily follows Rogan's podcast, the most listened-to show on Spotify.
The announcement is significant because, for years, Rogan has openly resisted the idea of hosting Trump. Back in 2022, Rogan stated that he had rejected multiple requests from Trump’s team, saying, "I’m not a Trump supporter in any way, shape or form. I don’t want to help him". However, the dynamics have shifted, with Trump now capitalizing on podcasts as part of his media strategy, appearing on other popular shows like Full Send and This Past Weekend.
🚨 #BREAKING: President Trump will be recording an episode of the Joe Rogan Podcast on Friday, according to Politico
This will be MASSIVE! 🔥
I’d love to see Kamala even ATTEMPT an appearance like this 🤣
An hours-long, unscripted conversation between two people. Kamala would… pic.twitter.com/8Ah3Z19La2
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 22, 2024
The timing of this interview couldn’t be more critical. Trump, the Republican front-runner, is deep into campaign season, working to energize voters and expand his base. The Rogan interview comes on the same day Vice President Kamala Harris is hosting a rally in Houston, Texas, making the state a key battleground for both campaigns.
Trump’s decision to engage with Rogan’s massive audience is strategic. Rogan’s show, known for its lengthy, freewheeling discussions, will offer Trump an opportunity to speak directly to millions of listeners without the limitations of traditional media formats. The podcast format could allow Trump to highlight key issues such as his stance on free speech, foreign policy, and the economy. Given the casual nature of Rogan’s interviews, it is expected that Trump will also delve into lighter topics, which could make for viral soundbites ahead of the election.
BREAKING: Donald Trump will appear on Joe Rogan's show which is set to be filmed in Austin, Texas on Friday according to Politico.
Rogan has over 14 million followers on Spotify with the number-one show in the world.
The development comes after it was rumored that Kamala… pic.twitter.com/A9p3jC24tz
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 22, 2024
This marks a shift from Trump’s earlier media approach. In recent weeks, he canceled interviews with legacy outlets like 60 Minutes and CNBC. Instead, Trump has leaned into alternative media, where he often faces fewer challenges from interviewers. His latest appearance on the Full Send podcast was well-received by his base, and his Rogan appearance is expected to generate similar enthusiasm.
Rogan, who has expressed admiration for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in the past, is known for giving his guests ample space to voice their opinions, even when he disagrees with them. This has led to speculation about how Rogan will approach the Trump interview. Despite his past reluctance, Rogan has maintained an open-minded platform, hosting figures from across the political spectrum.
The Rogan-Trump interview is also expected to be a ratings bonanza, drawing listeners from both sides of the political aisle. Many will tune in to hear how Rogan, known for his libertarian-leaning views, will engage with Trump, who remains a polarizing figure in American politics.
With the election looming on November 5, Trump is pushing hard to capture undecided voters and rally his base. His outreach through podcasts like Rogan’s represents a key part of his strategy to dominate non-traditional media, bypassing what he often calls "the fake news media." Rogan’s audience, which skews younger and more independent, could provide Trump with the exact voter base he needs to win swing states.