Trump's Manosphere Loses Enthusiasm as Podcast Bro Culture Shifts
Six months into Donald Trump's second term, the manosphere – a network of right-leaning podcasts and YouTube shows that played a significant role in his election – appears to be losing steam. Many hosts who catered to a young, male, and politically disengaged audience have become less enthusiastic about the administration's actions.
According to an analysis by Vox, several prominent podcast bros have shifted their focus or tone in recent months. For instance, Joe Rogan, one of the most popular podcasters, has scaled back his Trump-related content. In a September 2024 episode, Rogan stated, "I'm not as invested in politics as I used to be...I think it's because I've seen how messy and complicated it is."
Similarly, Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, has become increasingly critical of the administration's policies. In a July 2024 interview with The New York Times, Portnoy said, "I'm not a politician, but I think they're making some mistakes...They need to focus on the economy and jobs."
The shift in tone among these influential voices is significant, as their opinions often shape the views of their young male audience. According to a 2022 survey by the Pew Research Center, 71% of men aged 18-29 identify as Republican or lean Republican.
Background: The manosphere emerged during Trump's first presidential campaign, with podcasters like Rogan and Portnoy using their platforms to promote his candidacy. Their enthusiasm helped galvanize support among young men who felt disconnected from mainstream politics.
However, some experts argue that the manosphere's shift away from Trump is a natural consequence of the administration's policies. "The MAGA movement was built on a promise of disruption and change," said Dr. Kathleen Hall Jamieson, director of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. "As the administration has become more entrenched in power, some of its most ardent supporters have begun to question its direction."
Others see the shift as a sign of a broader cultural trend. "The manosphere's focus on Trump was always about identity and community," said Dr. Michael Kimmel, a sociologist at Stony Brook University who has studied the manosphere. "As these men grow older and become more invested in their careers and families, they're starting to prioritize other issues."
The current status of the manosphere is uncertain, with some hosts remaining loyal to Trump while others have shifted away from politics entirely. As the 2028 presidential election approaches, it remains to be seen whether the manosphere will continue to play a significant role in shaping public opinion.
Additional Perspectives:
"I think the manosphere's shift away from Trump is a sign of their growing maturity," said Ben Shapiro, editor emeritus of The Daily Wire. "They're starting to realize that politics isn't just about identity and community, but also about policy and results."
"The manosphere's influence on young men is real, and it's not going away anytime soon," said Dr. Kimmel. "However, as they become more invested in their careers and families, they'll start to prioritize other issues and concerns."
Next Developments:
As the 2028 presidential election approaches, it will be interesting to see how the manosphere continues to evolve. Will Trump's loyal supporters remain committed to his candidacy, or will they begin to question his leadership? Only time will tell.
*Reporting by Vox.*
