Trump's Support Among Popular Podcasters is Cracking: What Causes Star Hosts to Turn Away.

According to Vox: Six months after Donald Trump's election to a second term, the 'manosphere' — a right-wing entertainment program featuring podcasts and YouTube shows — is losing its optimism about him.

Many hosts who cater to a young, male, and politically indifferent audience are becoming less impressed by the administration's actions. Some remain loyal, but others are growing more critical or are stepping away from political topics altogether. This fragmentation could pose problems for Trump, the MAGA movement, and the Republican Party in upcoming elections, as they need to maintain the unconventional coalition of voters that helped him win re-election.

With tens of millions of listeners, these podcasts have significant influence. They often top podcast charts and attract large audiences, particularly among men. Recent data suggests that the share of listeners who identify as Republicans is increasing, and millions of Americans are becoming regular podcast listeners, making changes in loyalty and tone among hosts particularly significant.

Loyal Trump Hosts

Full Send Podcast

2.2 million subscribers; giveaways, pop culture, and sports; weekly

Canadians and Americans from Full Send Podcast, Kyle Forgeard and Aaron 'Stany' Steinberg, are among Trump's most devoted supporters. The Nelk group started their media business as influencers, gaining popularity in 2020 when they organized parties during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic. They held 'bro-tests' for opening gyms, traveling across the U.S. and staging countercultural events. One fan told the Toronto Star in 2020 that 'a big part of 'Nelk' is not listening' and not following the rules.

This spirit has earned them millions of subscribers, views, and financial success. Through their vlogs and giveaway videos, they have helped popularize many right-wing and far-right commentators on their show, leading to accusations of 'extreme misogyny' and xenophobia.

In recent years, Forgeard and his colleagues have repeatedly interviewed Trump and interacted with him and JD Vance during the 2024 elections. Trump, for his part, has frequently mentioned the guys in his speeches, expressing his endorsement.

“Some in the political and media establishment do not realize that the guys from NELK likely have more power than they do.”

Since January, they have been supporting Trump — praising his foreign policy and discussing the war in Ukraine. However, they recently expressed their intent to 'perhaps avoid politics a bit, as we also want to have fun' after fierce criticism for an interview with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

PBD Podcast

2.69 million subscribers; current events and business; two to three times a week

Business host Patrick Bet-David discusses various current events in panel discussions with three to four speakers — from celebrity news to complex politics. Trump has frequently appeared on the show and visited Bet-David during the 2024 elections. Bet-David considers himself a staunch ally of Trump.

While the show examines some aspects of Trump's policies, such discussions usually culminate in criticism of the Democrats and support for Trump's positions. For example, during the announcement of tariffs “Liberation Day” in the spring, the panel got entangled over the tariffs' impact on global markets before blaming the Federal Reserve and supporting Trump's negotiations.

“Trump is the alpha male regarding his relationship with President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky and European leaders.”

They show no signs of reducing support anytime soon.

Disenchanted Critics

The Joe Rogan Experience

20 million subscribers; interviews, commentary; about four times a week

The world's largest podcaster has not always been a fan of Trump, but he has become one over the past five years as his show has become one of the most influential platforms for politicians, celebrities, thinkers, and more. Trump's interview in October broke records — it was viewed 60 million times, and it sparked a storm of reactions from Democrats due to his refusal to agree to the terms of participation proposed by Kamala Harris's campaign.

However, in recent months, Rogan's support for Trump has become more tempered. He criticizes tariffs, censorship, mass deportations, and the lack of transparency from the administration. He has also expressed frustration over the administration's relations with big tech companies.

This Past Weekend With Theo Von

4.1 million subscribers; comedy and interviews; about two times a week

Comedian Theo Von, host of This Past Weekend, is noticeably distancing himself from Trump due to the Epstein situation. He was formerly a big fan of Trump; last year he invited him to his show. Now Von has become significantly more skeptical of Trump, criticizing his tariffs and support for Israel.

Von has started inviting Trump critics to his show and expressing dissatisfaction with the political situation in the country.

Andrew Schulz’s Flagrant With Akaash Singh

2 million subscribers; comedy and interviews; weekly

Host of the comedy podcast Flagrant, Andrew Schulz, actively expresses his disappointment with Trump. He was a big supporter before but has now become one of his loudest critics, expressing regret over his previous support. He notes that Trump is doing what he promised not to do.

Schulz has begun to invite more Trump-critical guests onto his show, turning his podcast into a platform for those feeling disillusioned with Trump.

“You have the opportunity to show people that Trump is a liar. There is evidence. We can offer those ideas that might be better.”

Indifferent or Neutral Voices

Several podcasters and influencers have reduced the volume of discussion on current events and politics. Sean Ryan and Lex Fridman, for example, conduct interviews on specific topics but are not vocal defenders or commentators on Trump's presidency.

Two other major Trump supporters, Adina Ross and Logan Paul, have returned to their usual styles, ignoring political subjects and focusing on entertainment content.

Shifts in loyalty within the 'manosphere' may indicate broader changes among young voters who helped Trump get elected — current difficulties signal initial challenges in maintaining the presidential coalition. However, it remains uncertain whether Trump will seek to regain the support of these creators and their listeners — he has not visited most of these shows since being elected.