UPDATE: In a surprising shift, influential podcasters are distancing themselves from former President Donald Trump as his popularity continues to decline sharply. During a recent episode of his podcast, comedian Theo Von expressed deep frustration over his previous association with Trump’s controversial immigration policies, calling them “f–ked up.” This marks a significant turning point for figures once seen as staunch supporters of the former president, as public sentiment increasingly turns against him.
Von, a prominent voice in the so-called “manosphere,” became emotional while discussing his family’s immigration story. He revealed, “My father immigrated here from Nicaragua. One of my prized possessions is his immigration papers from when he came here—I have them in frame.” His remarks come after the Department of Homeland Security featured him in a promotional video for Trump’s harsh immigration agenda, which he later condemned in a now-deleted social media post. Von’s sentiments reflect growing discontent among young male audiences, many of whom are pivoting away from the extreme policies they once supported.
Recent CBS/YouGov polling indicates a troubling trend for Trump: a staggering 58% of Americans disapprove of his leadership, with only one-third of adults aged 18 to 29 approving of his immigration handling, according to NBC News. These figures reveal a stark contrast from earlier in the year, when many young men rallied behind Trump, bolstered by the support of influential podcast hosts.
In a similar vein, fellow podcaster Joe Rogan, who previously endorsed Trump, has condemned the administration’s immigration raids as “insane.” In July, he remarked, “I don’t think anybody would have signed up for [this],” criticizing the president’s shift from campaign promises to harsh reality. His disapproval adds to the chorus of dissent from those shaping the political views of younger demographics.
Moreover, Adin Ross, another rising star in the podcast world, expressed regret over his involvement in politics, stating, “I just don’t think I’ll ever care enough again for another politician.” This sentiment resonates across platforms, as former supporters grapple with disillusionment regarding Trump’s policies.
The backlash continues with Andrew Schulz, host of the Flagrant podcast, who recently lambasted Trump for failing to deliver on key campaign promises. “He’s doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for,” Schulz stated in July, highlighting a growing disconnect between Trump’s agenda and the expectations of his base.
As these influential voices shift their rhetoric, the implications for Trump’s 2024 campaign become increasingly concerning. His team appears aware of the discontent brewing among younger voters, as reports surfaced of efforts to engage Rogan in the face of the ongoing Epstein controversy.
In a striking commentary on the political landscape, Von openly criticized U.S. involvement in the Gaza conflict, calling the situation “the sickest thing” and acknowledging complicity in military support. Such remarks underline the evolving perspectives among those who once championed Trump’s hardline policies.
The emotional reactions and public statements from these figures highlight a pivotal moment in the political discourse surrounding Trump. As his approval ratings plummet, the decision by influential podcasters to challenge his narrative could signal a broader shift among younger voters.
As the landscape continues to change, all eyes will be on how these developments impact the upcoming election cycle. The disillusionment among podcast hosts and their audiences could have significant repercussions for Trump’s campaign strategy as he seeks to regain favor with the very demographics that once propelled him forward.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and more voices weigh in on the shifting political tides.
