Joe Rogan, the popular podcaster and UFC commentator, has officially endorsed Donald Trump for the 2024 US presidential election.
The announcement came on the eve of Election Day, as Rogan shared his support on X, formerly Twitter.
"For the record, yes, that's an endorsement of Trump," Rogan wrote, citing a recent interview with Tesla CEO Elon Musk as influential in his decision.
Rogan praised Musk's arguments, stating: "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."
The endorsement follows Rogan's recent three-hour podcast interview with Trump, which garnered over 40 million views across platforms.
Trump, speaking at a rally in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, swiftly acknowledged Rogan's support, calling it "very big" due to Rogan's significant influence.
Donald Trump faces Kamala Harris in this week's US presidential election
ReutersRogan's endorsement was heavily influenced by his conversation with Musk, who recently appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast.
During the two-hour interview, Musk expressed concerns about the country's direction, stating: "If Trump doesn't win, this is the last election."
Rogan agreed with Musk's assessment, suggesting that more Americans are "waking up" to issues affecting the nation.
Musk, a vocal Trump supporter, has donated approximately $75 million to America PAC, a pro-Trump group he helped establish.
X owner Elon Musk was instrumental in Rogan endorsing Trump
GettyThe billionaire's arguments on topics such as free speech, government transparency, and economic policy resonated strongly with Rogan, ultimately swaying his decision to publicly back Trump.
This endorsement marks a significant shift for Rogan, who had previously endorsed Bernie Sanders in the 2020 election.
Rogan's endorsement carries significant weight due to his massive audience. His podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, boasts over 14 million followers on Spotify, with 51 percent of listeners aged 18-34, according to Edison Research.
The endorsement follows Rogan's recent interviews with Trump and his running mate, JD Vance. These appearances align with Trump's campaign strategy to reach young male voters, a key demographic for Rogan's show.
Notably, Rogan had been in talks with Kamala Harris' campaign for a potential interview. However, plans fell through due to disagreements over the format and location.
"They offered a date for Tuesday, but I would have had to travel to her and they only wanted to do an hour," Rogan explained on X. He expressed a preference for conducting the interview in his Austin studio.
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Joe Rogan welcomed both Trump and Musk onto his podcast in recent weeks
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The 2024 US presidential race has seen a flurry of celebrity endorsements for both candidates.
Whilst Rogan and Musk have thrown their support behind Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris has garnered backing from numerous high-profile figures. Lady Gaga performed at a Harris rally in Pennsylvania, singing God Bless America before introducing the candidate's husband, Doug Emhoff.
Rapper will.i.am released a music video titled Yes She Can to encourage women to vote for Harris. Other notable Harris supporters include NBA legends Magic Johnson and Steph Curry, as well as pop star Rihanna.
Trump's celebrity endorsements extend beyond Rogan and Musk, with UFC President Dana White and musician Kid Rock also voicing their support.
