Speculation is mounting over whether Joe Rogan, the hugely influential podcaster who endorsed Donald Trump in 2024, has turned against the former president's administration. The conjecture follows remarks made by Rogan on his show this week, where he compared US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids to operations conducted by the Gestapo.
The Gestapo Remark and a Political Weathervane
During a nearly three-hour conversation with Republican Senator Rand Paul released on Tuesday, 14 September 2024, Rogan expressed deep unease with aggressive immigration enforcement. The discussion centred on the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good, a 37-year-old volunteer legal observer, by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this month.
"Are we really going to be the Gestapo? 'Where's your papers?' Is that what we've come to?" Rogan asked during the episode. This stark analogy from a figure with an audience of millions has sent ripples through the American political landscape.
Political observers closely track The Joe Rogan Experience, not only due to its vast listenership but because Rogan is seen as an avatar for millions of politically fluid, centrist Americans. His endorsement of Bernie Sanders in 2020 and Trump in 2024 carry significant weight. As left-wing writer Ben Burgis noted, Rogan is effectively "America's most famous swing voter," making his shifts in tone a potential predictor of broader public sentiment.
Nuanced Views on a Polarising Issue
Rogan's commentary, however, was more layered than the Gestapo soundbite alone suggests. He described himself as frustrated and able to "see both perspectives" on immigration. He articulated the conservative view that deportation of people in the country illegally is necessary to prevent acceleration of the issue.
Yet, he countered with progressive concerns about "militarized people in the streets just roaming around, snatching people up," many of whom might be US citizens without identification. He also pushed back slightly when Senator Paul blamed sanctuary cities like Minneapolis for non-cooperation, stating, "I think most liberals are in favour of getting rid of gang members, criminals, murderers, rapists."
Nevertheless, Rogan appeared to agree with an unproven right-wing belief that the Biden administration deliberately allowed illegal immigration for electoral gain. He also cited the situation in Aurora, Colorado, involving the gang Tren de Aragua, as an example of why enforcement is needed.
A Wider Trend of Alienation Among Influencers
Rogan's critical remarks are part of a noticeable trend. Since last year, several prominent male comedy and talk-show podcasters who previously backed Trump have walked back their support, including Theo Von and Andrew Schulz. Immigration policies have been a particular point of contention.
In March, Rogan criticised the deportation of a gay stylist seeking asylum, calling it "fucking crazy." In September, Theo Von objected to his image being used in a Department of Homeland Security campaign without his consent, stating his thoughts on immigration were "a lot more nuanced."
Even right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson has criticised the Trump administration's approach, specifically regarding the killing of Renee Good. In a recent newsletter, Carlson lamented that few conservatives were viewing her death "through a human lens."
The tragedy in Minneapolis, widely captured on video, remains a political flashpoint. Progressives argue Good was confused, while the Trump administration and some right-wing voices maintain the ICE agent acted in self-defence. The agent involved was reportedly dragged 300 feet by a car during a previous detention attempt last year.
While outlets like CNN and The Hill have framed Rogan's latest comments as a break with Trump, his actual stance remains ambivalent. His enormous platform ensures that his nuanced scepticism, reflecting the complicated views of his audience, will continue to be a significant barometer of American political mood as the immigration debate intensifies.
