Are Manosphere Influencers Backpedaling on Support for Trump’s Agenda Just Months Into His Second Term?
In a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan expressed concerns over President Trump’s controversial decision to deport undocumented immigrants directly to El Salvador’s mega-prisons—bypassing trials, legal representation, and, as critics argue, fundamental due process rights.
Rogan warned about the potential dangers of a future president using no-due-process tactics to deport gang members, comparing it to a practice that could become normalized. “What if you are an enemy of, let’s not say, any current president… Let’s pretend we got a new president, the totally new guy in 2028, and this is a common practice now of just rounding up gang members with no due process and shipping them to El Salvador?” Rogan questioned. “We gotta be careful we don’t become monsters while fighting monsters.”
For many who had been raising alarms during Trump’s campaign, watching Rogan come to this realization was a painful experience. One commenter remarked, “Watching Joe Rogan figure this shit out in real-time is painful.” Another added, “That ol’ ‘Even a broken clock is right twice a day’ idiom comes to mind.” A Reddit user also pointed out, “Why does he need to use a hypothetical president to make this point? This entire commentary describes the current administration.”
This election cycle, Donald Trump’s victory owes much to the endorsement of Joe Rogan and other key manosphere influencers. After hosting Trump on The Joe Rogan Experience—which became one of the most-watched podcast episodes of all time with 58 million views—Rogan publicly endorsed the president just one day before the 2024 election. But now, are we beginning to see the first signs of uncertainty?
Rogan isn’t alone in expressing unease about Trump’s actions. Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who backed Trump throughout the campaign, voiced his frustration over the president’s controversial rollout of sweeping tariffs, which caused the stock market to plummet. Portnoy claimed that the tariffs led to a personal loss of $7 million.
“So, Trump rolls out the tariffs, right?” Portnoy said in a livestream on April 7. “This is a decision that one guy made that crashed the whole stock market. That’s why we’re calling it ‘Orange Monday’ and not ‘Black Monday.’”
How Manosphere Influencers Helped Trump’s Rise
The Power of Manosphere Endorsements
Figures like Joe Rogan and Dave Portnoy have played a pivotal role in boosting Donald Trump’s popularity, especially among male voters within the manosphere community. This group, often defined by a mixture of anti-political correctness, a focus on traditional masculinity, and dissatisfaction with mainstream politics, found a powerful voice in these influential figures. Rogan, with his massive podcast following, and Portnoy, through his platform Barstool Sports, each built substantial influence over a demographic that was particularly receptive to Trump’s rhetoric.
Rogan’s endorsement of Trump, primarily through The Joe Rogan Experience, provided a credible and far-reaching platform to discuss political issues in a way that resonated with everyday men. His conversations often emphasized the need for an outsider to challenge the political establishment, aligning well with Trump’s campaign message of draining the swamp. For many followers, Rogan’s influence made Trump’s policies and approach seem more relatable and authentic.
Similarly, Dave Portnoy, known for his blunt, no-nonsense approach and unapologetic persona, became a key voice among those disillusioned with traditional politics. His endorsement of Trump, particularly within the business and sports-centric Barstool community, gave Trump a direct connection to a demographic that valued entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Both men helped frame Trump as a leader who was not afraid to challenge the status quo, which deeply appealed to this group of male voters who were frustrated with political correctness and perceived weakness in leadership.
The Appeal of Trump to the Manosphere
Trump’s appeal to the manosphere community was rooted in several key factors that resonated with their values and worldview. At the core, Trump’s unapologetic style and disregard for traditional political norms made him stand out as a symbol of strength, dominance, and defiance—qualities many in the manosphere admired and sought to emulate. His brash, take-no-prisoners attitude aligned with the manosphere’s emphasis on traditional masculinity, self-sufficiency, and a rejection of perceived weakness or political correctness.
One of the main reasons Trump resonated with this demographic was his messaging around power, success, and leadership. His persona as a wealthy businessman who built an empire appealed to men who valued financial success and independence. His rhetoric about “winning” and his promises to make America great again spoke to the frustrations many in the manosphere felt about a perceived decline in American power and prestige.
Rogan and Portnoy amplified this message by publicly endorsing Trump and often framing his policies and persona in ways that aligned with the manosphere’s values. Rogan’s endorsement, in particular, portrayed Trump as an outsider willing to challenge the elites, which struck a chord with listeners who felt alienated by mainstream politicians. Rogan’s discussions around individual freedom, freedom of speech, and anti-censorship were also in line with Trump’s messaging, further solidifying the connection between Trump and his followers in the manosphere.
Portnoy, on the other hand, brought a unique angle of business success and working-class roots to Trump’s appeal. Through Barstool Sports, he emphasized Trump’s no-nonsense approach to leadership. He framed his policies, especially those regarding business, taxation, and immigration, as beneficial to the average man who wanted to succeed without unnecessary government intervention.
Frequently Asked Question
Did Joe Rogan support Trump in the 2024 election?
Yes, Joe Rogan publicly endorsed Trump during the 2024 election, even hosting him on The Joe Rogan Experience, which became one of the most-watched podcast episodes of all time.
What did Rogan say about Trump’s immigration policies?
Rogan raised concerns about Trump’s decision to deport undocumented immigrants to El Salvador’s mega-prisons without due process, questioning whether such actions could become a troubling precedent for future administrations.
How did Dave Portnoy criticize Trump’s policies?
Dave Portnoy voiced frustration with Trump’s rollout of sweeping tariffs, claiming that the policy led to a significant loss in the stock market and personally cost him $7 million.
How have Rogan and Portnoy’s opinions affected their followers?
Both Rogan and Portnoy have large followings in the manosphere, and their shifting perspectives may influence their fans, especially those who previously supported Trump. Their criticisms could potentially shift public opinion among their audiences.
What role did Joe Rogan play in Trump’s rise to power?
Rogan played a significant role in Trump’s 2024 campaign by giving him a platform to reach millions through The Joe Rogan Experience. Rogan’s endorsement provided Trump with credibility among his audience, particularly in the manosphere.
Did Portnoy initially support Trump?
Yes, Dave Portnoy publicly backed Trump during the 2024 campaign, aligning himself with Trump’s business-friendly policies and uncompromising stance on various issues.
How do Rogan and Portnoy view Trump now?
Both have expressed growing unease with Trump’s decisions, particularly regarding his immigration and economic policies. Rogan’s commentary on the lack of due process and Portnoy’s economic frustrations indicate their shift in perspective.
Conclusion
Joe Rogan and Dave Portnoy’s decision to distance themselves from Trump’s agenda marks a significant shift in the political landscape, particularly within the manosphere and among Trump’s initial supporters. Both figures, who played a key role in amplifying Trump’s message and endorsing his policies during the 2024 election, have now expressed concerns over certain aspects of his presidency, including his immigration policies and economic decisions.