Joe Rogan denies backing RFK Jr. after catching heat from Trump fans: ‘This isn’t an endorsement’
Joe Rogan on Friday denied that he endorsed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for president after his glowing words about the long-shot independent presidential candidate drew scorn from Donald Trump supporters — and even a jab from the Republican nominee.
The “Joe Rogan Experience” host posted a clarification on X following remarks he made on a recent episode in which he praised Kennedy for his “civility.”
“For the record, this isn’t an endorsement,” the Spotify podcaster wrote on X
“This is me saying that I like RFKjr as a person, and I really appreciate the way he discusses things with civility and intelligence. I think we could use more of that in this world.”
Rogan also went on to praise Trump for his reaction following the July 13 assassination attempt, but did not endorse the GOP candidate.
“I also think Trump raising his fist and saying ‘fight!’ after getting shot is one of the most American f—ing things of all time,” he wrote.
“I’m not the guy to get political information from.”
Rogan caused consternation in Trump circles Thursday when he sounded like he was throwing his sizable frame and support behind Kennedy.
“That’s politics. They do it on the left. They do it on the right. They gaslight you, they manipulate you. They promote narratives,” Rogan said on the podcast.
“The only one who’s not doing that is Robert F. Kennedy Jr. I am a fan [of RFK Jr]. He’s the only one that makes sense to me. He doesn’t attack people. He attacks actions and ideas. He’s much more reasonable and intelligent.”
Trump posted his own message on his Truth Social platform on Friday: “It will be interesting to see how loudly Joe Rogan gets BOOED the next time he enters the UFC Ring???”
“MAGA 2024,” Trump wrote.
Rogan moonlights as a commentator for UFC fights. Trump has been a frequent guest at UFC events, where fans shower him with standing ovations.
During one event, Trump and Rogan were seen shaking hands.
Many Trump-backing social media users tore into Rogan over his support for Kennedy.
One X user with the handle “Catturd” said Rogan is “the same f–king idiot who endorsed Bernie Sanders.”
“He’s the podcast equivalent of a dumb blonde joke,” the X account’s author wrote.
But other pro-Trump voices came to Rogan’s defense, including Matt Walsh of Daily Wire, who wrote: “The right wing accounts attacking him and disowning him today for saying nice things about RFK Jr are acting foolishly at best.”
“You don’t turn on a guy who has been, is, and could continue to be a huge asset to you and your movement just because he didn’t endorse Trump.”
Rogan, whose audience of millions of listeners tend to be overwhelmingly males who lean toward the political right, has been critical of Trump over the years.
Last year, it was reported that he repeatedly turned down requests from Trump for an interview on his podcast.
In 2022, Rogan told podcaster Lex Fridman: “I’m not a Trump supporter in any way, shape or form.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to have him on my show more than once,” Rogan said.
“I’ve said no every time. I don’t want to help him. I’m not interested in helping him.”
That same year, Rogan referred to Trump as a “man baby” while speculating that he may be using Adderall.
Rogan has courted controversy in the past, questioning the efficacy of the COVID vaccine as well as platforming of guests who have voiced critical views of the transgender movement.
Spotify resisted calls to cut ties with Rogan, who makes millions of dollars a year and is the platform’s biggest draw.
