Joe Rogan Hosts Donald Trump After Years of Persuasion by Ivanka, Jared, and Dana White
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Joe Rogan’s high-profile interview with Donald Trump in October 2024 became one of the most talked-about episodes of The Joe Rogan Experience, thanks in part to years of behind-the-scenes efforts by UFC CEO Dana White and Trump’s inner circle, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, White revealed his long-term plan to connect Rogan and Trump. “I’ve been working on Rogan for years. I knew that if I could get him and Trump together, they would hit it off,” he said. The breakthrough came when White arranged a private dinner between Rogan and the president-elect’s daughter and son-in-law, who served as senior advisers during Trump’s first term.
The podcast episode, which has garnered over 54 million views on YouTube, featured Trump discussing his first presidency’s “biggest mistake” and his controversial claims about the 2020 election. “I would bring in papers that you would not believe, so many different papers, as per BBC.
That election was so crooked, it was the most crooked,” Trump said, reiterating his stance on the election. Rogan’s three-hour conversation with Trump proved a cultural phenomenon, leading Rogan to endorse Trump just before the November 2024 election. In a tweet promoting his interview with Elon Musk, Rogan stated, “The great and powerful @elonmusk.
If it wasn’t for him we’d be f*****. He makes what I think is the most compelling case for Trump you’ll hear, and I agree with him every step of the way. For the record, yes, that’s an endorsement of Trump. Enjoy the podcast.”
During a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Trump publicly acknowledged Rogan’s endorsement. “It just came over the wires that Joe Rogan just endorsed me, is that great? Thank you, Joe. That’s so nice. And he doesn’t do that, he doesn’t do that stuff,” Trump said, adding, “And he tends to be a little bit more liberal than some of the people in this room.”
Dana White, who played a key role in fostering the connection, reflected on his unique position. “I’m like the middleman in this relationship. I’m very close to Rogan and loyal to Rogan, and Rogan is very close and loyal to me, and then I’m very close to Trump and very loyal to Trump, and Trump is loyal to me. And we’re all connected by this UFC thing.”
The podcast episode, endorsement, and public acknowledgment cemented the unusual alliance, highlighting the intersections of media, sports, and politics in Trump’s re-election campaign.
