On a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, podcast king Joe Rogan offered some advice to President-elect Donald Trump as he gears up for his second term in office. Rogan, who has been a vocal and unpredictable figure in American politics, urged Trump to prioritize national unity over partisan bickering, even as the political landscape remains deeply divided.
“He’s got to unite people. He’s got to not attack the left, not attack everybody. Let them all talk their trash, but unite,” Rogan said during his conversation with comedian and Libertarian Dave Smith. Rogan’s message was clear: in this second term, Trump needs to focus on bridging divides and healing the country, not perpetuating conflicts.
Rogan, who has a massive following among conservative-leaning listeners, previously endorsed Trump just a day before the 2020 election, signaling a significant shift in his political alignment. While Rogan acknowledged Trump’s accomplishments during his first term in office, he also pointed out that Trump’s brash and combative style often overshadowed the substance of his policies. “It’s not that Trump’s message was wrong—it’s that he was the wrong messenger,” Rogan explained. He suggested that Trump’s bold personality and confrontational rhetoric, while effective in energizing his base, made it difficult for many to see the positive impact of his administration.
In a similar vein, Rogan admitted that the media’s portrayal of Trump as a villain has been exaggerated. He argued that the media focused on the worst aspects of Trump’s personality, amplifying his most controversial moments, and painting him as a “monster.” “The Democrats have done such a good job of demonizing him,” Rogan said, acknowledging Trump’s imperfections but reminding his audience that no politician is flawless.
Rogan’s endorsement of Trump for a second term has evolved over time. In 2020, he was openly critical of Trump but ultimately came around to supporting the president. In a tweet promoting his episode with Elon Musk, another high-profile Trump supporter, Rogan made it clear where he stood: “If it wasn’t for him, we’d be screwed,” Rogan wrote, adding that he agreed with Musk’s compelling case for Trump’s reelection.
As the country continues to grapple with political polarization, Rogan’s message of unity, even from a platform that has often been critical of mainstream politics, may resonate with conservatives looking for a path forward. Rogan’s ability to bridge political divides, whether in his interviews with Trump or in his discussions with figures like Musk, highlights the potential for creating common ground in a deeply divided America. Ultimately, his advice to Trump seems to be a call for a more measured approach in the next four years—one that focuses on healing the wounds of the past rather than deepening them.