Trump joins Joe Rogan’s podcast for nearly three-hour interview

Former President Donald Trump appeared in “The Joe Rogan Experience” on Friday, marking his first time on the influential podcast.

The lengthy, nearly three-hour conversation, recorded at Rogan’s Austin, Texas, studio, was published late Friday on both YouTube and Spotify.

Despite a delay due to a technical glitch, the video quickly gathered hundreds of thousands of views, underscoring the episode's significant reach.

Trump's appearance with Rogan, one of the most popular and sometimes controversial media personalities in the US., signals a shift towards alternative media just days before the November 5th election.

Rogan's audience, largely composed of young male listeners, aligns with the demographic Trump’s campaign has sought to attract.

The decision to appear on Rogan’s show, rather than traditional news outlets, aligns with Trump’s evolving media strategy, targeting non-traditional platforms that reach younger audiences and independents.

Trump’s appearance is expected to drive record viewership for Rogan’s podcast, with some conservative analysts predicting it could become one of the most-listened-to podcasts in history.

However, the interview’s timing led to a scheduling challenge, delaying Trump’s planned rally in Traverse City, Michigan, later that night.

Rogan addressed the delay in YouTube’s release amid online speculation of censorship. “There is no issue with YouTube censoring the Trump episode,” Rogan clarified on X.

He attributed the delay to a glitch in Spotify’s upload system, which temporarily caused the YouTube link to be delisted.

During the conversation, Trump confirmed his intent to involve Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in his administration should he win, saying, “I completely am,” although he expressed concerns over Kennedy’s stance on environmental policies.

Trump shared he would urge Kennedy to prioritize health issues, given their differing views on oil and gas.

The conversation marks a notable moment for Rogan’s podcast.

Known for his candid discussions, Rogan initially resisted the idea of interviewing Trump, stating in 2022 that he wasn’t interested.

However, with both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris now embracing digital and alternative media,

Rogan’s podcast has become an essential venue for reaching a politically diverse audience.

Harris had considered appearing on the podcast but encountered scheduling issues, opting instead for a rally in Houston with singer Beyoncé to energize voters.

For Rogan, this interview represents a major moment in his podcast’s 15-year run.

With over 14 million subscribers on Spotify and a broad following across social media, Rogan’s reach spans a wide demographic that includes independents, Democrats, and Republicans, according to Edison Research.

Experts suggest the politically diverse viewership could benefit Trump, as Rogan’s listeners include many independents and young male voters who are critical targets for Trump’s campaign.

Joe Rogan, who began his career as a comedian and host of shows like “Fear Factor,” launched “The Joe Rogan Experience” in 2009.

Known for his open-ended discussions on topics from science to pop culture, Rogan has interviewed figures across the political spectrum, including Senator Bernie Sanders and conservative activist Christopher Rufo.

While he describes himself as a “bleeding heart liberal,” Rogan has also shared views supporting gun rights and the military, creating a platform with a unique political balance.

Over the past months, Trump has appeared on podcasts like Logan Paul’s “Impaulsive” and made headlines through online interactions with influencers, including a recent exchange with Elon Musk.

Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s main opponent in the race, also spent Friday in Texas, where she held a rally in Houston featuring a performance by global pop icon Beyoncé.

Harris is focusing her campaign efforts on abortion rights in states like Texas, where abortion has been a key issue.

Her campaign had previously explored an appearance on Rogan’s podcast but reportedly faced scheduling conflicts.

The full interview can be found on Spotify, where “The Joe Rogan Experience” airs new episodes regularly.

The episode has already sparked extensive discussion online, as Trump continues to use digital media to connect with key voter groups ahead of Election Day.