The Rogan Ripple: How One Loud Voice Could Bring Trump’s Castle Crashing Down

Joe Rogan isn't just questioning Trump...he’s giving others permission to demolish him.

The Rogan Ripple: How One Loud Voice Could Bring Trump’s Castle Crashing Down

Joe Rogan isn't just questioning Trump…he’s giving others permission to demolish him.

The Jack Hopkins Now Newsletter #461: Wednesday, July 30th, 2025. 8:10 pm CST

Let Me Paint a Picture…

You’re sitting on the edge of a massive kingdom. It stretches across half the nation’s political mind. It’s got gold-plated walls…a propaganda moat…and a cult of personality that would make Kim Jong-un blush.

But the foundation?
It's built on loyalty.
And loyalty doesn’t break like brick.
It crumbles like salt in a rainstorm…if the right voice says the right thing at the right time.

Now ask yourself:

What if that voice belongs to Joe Rogan?

Because right now…Joe's not just tapping on Trump’s fortress.
He’s grabbing a sledgehammer.
And he’s not alone.

The Shift We Didn’t See Coming

Rogan, like a lot of people…once gave Trump airspace. Not just literally. I’m talking about credibility. Curiosity. The benefit of the doubt. And for millions of listeners…men…especially…his posture mattered.

He wasn’t MSM.
He wasn’t corporate.
He wasn’t “woke.”

He was a voice from the gut…unfiltered…uncensored…testosterone-laced and weed-smoked.

And for a long time…that gave Trump an ally in the influencer class.
An unbought platform.
An unpolished megaphone.
A buffer zone between hard-right lunacy and “reasonable outsider.”

But now?

Joe Rogan is calling the whole Trump operation out like a drug dealer with cut product.

And he’s not alone in listening to himself.

The Gaslight’s Gone Out

Let’s start with this:

“They think we’re babies. Like literal babies.”
—Rogan on the Trump DOJ’s Epstein excuses

Let that sink in.

That’s not a policy critique.
That’s not some mild disappointment.
That’s personal.

Rogan’s saying: They lied. And they think we’re too dumb to notice.

He didn’t just call the administration dishonest.
He called them condescending manipulators.

And for a guy whose brand thrives on spotting fake bullshit…this wasn’t just a shot across the bow.

It was a signal.

To other podcasters.
To independent commentators.
To millions of listeners who still haven’t made peace with why Epstein died in custody, why no client list has been released, and why suddenly the tapes "don’t exist."

Joe just told them: Your anger? It’s legit. Your trust? It’s being played.

And now…others are following the scent.

The Influencer Avalanche…How It Starts

Here’s how this works:

1. One big dog breaks ranks.
   Rogan says what others have been thinking.

2. The rest of the pack watches.
   Is he getting crushed? Canceled? Boosted?

3. The fence-sitters shift.
   Ben Shapiro flirts with mild critique. Tim Pool brings up inconsistencies. Jordan Peterson raises an eyebrow.

4. The knives come out quietly.
   Not from liberals…but from the guys who built MAGA up from the internet’s ribcage.

   The manosphere.
   The Reddit threads.
   The YouTube channels that speak in soundbites and sarcasm.

These guys were never about Trump.
They were about disruption. About distrust.
And if Trump starts to look like the system he claimed to fight?

They’ll flip.

And it’ll sound like thunder.

Trump’s Real Vulnerability Isn’t Legal. It’s Cultural.

Here’s the truth nobody at Mar-a-Lago wants to say out loud:

Trump didn’t build his castle on a legal foundation.
He built it on vibe. On feeling.

The sense that he was your guy in a room full of suits.
The bull in the china shop.
The savage with your grievances.

But if that vibe turns?

If the podcasters…bodybuilders…crypto bros…and alpha-casters start calling him weak…
Fake…
Compromised…

Then the walls won’t fall from prosecutors.
They’ll fall from reputation.

Influencers like Rogan don’t move ballots directly…but they move the cultural weather.

And when the cultural weather shifts?
Loyalty gets chilly fast.

Case Study: The Epstein Files Flip

You think this latest dust-up about Epstein is just another conspiracy rabbit hole?

Not this time.

Because this time it’s not being chased by fringe theorists.
It’s being driven by former Trump supporters who feel betrayed.

Rogan didn’t have to go hard on the Epstein files.
He didn’t have to point out the inconsistencies.
He didn’t have to use sarcasm.

But he did.

“They say they ‘lost the tapes’? What are we, morons?”

That lands different.

Because the Trump team didn’t just fail to deliver.

They delivered a lie Rogan’s audience could spot instantly.

This wasn’t a matter of policy.
It was a matter of dignity.

And Joe lit the match.

Who Follows Him Next?

1. Lex Fridman

Soft-spoken. Smart. Influential.
If he turns…he brings intellectual cred with him.

2. Patrick Bet-David

Entrepreneurial to the core. Already leaning away from Trump. His audience loves America First…but they’re businessmen first.

3. Andrew Huberman & the wellness set

Sound weird? Think again. The high-performance crew hates deceit. When lies mess with truth-seeking… they get surgical.

4. Barstool Bros

You think the “apolitical” bros are off-limits? Not if Rogan makes Trump uncool. The locker room turns fast when the alphas shift tone.

5. Russell Brand

Already a critic of hypocrisy. All it takes is a few more Rogan quotes…and Brand will smell blood.

6. Shapiro / Pool / Peterson (the reluctant trio)

They’ll never say “never Trump” first. But they’ll question hard enough to let their audience decide.
And once the trust cracks?
It rarely reseals.

How It Actually Ends (and Why It Matters Now)

Trump’s downfall…if it happens…won’t be because CNN said so.
It won’t be because The New York Times unearthed some paperwork.
It won’t even be because Jack Smith swings the big gavel.

It’ll be because the guys who once laughed with Trump...
...start laughing at him.

And Joe Rogan?

He’s already halfway there.

“I liked him. But man… this stuff’s crazy.”

That’s the pivot.
That’s the cultural kill shot.

And when guys like Rogan lead that charge…millions follow.

Rogan Doesn’t Have to Crush Trump Himself. He Just Has to Prove He’s Not God.

See, that’s the secret.

Trump doesn’t run on logic.
He runs on invincibility.

On the idea that every attack is proof of his strength.
Every critic is a Deep State pawn.
Every defection is disloyalty.

But when a guy like Rogan…a guy MAGA liked…starts saying:
"Wait. He’s lying to us. And not even well…"

...the air hisses out of the balloon.

Because if Trump isn’t all-knowing…
If he’s not all-powerful…
If he’s not “the only one who can fix it”...

...then what is he?

Just another rich guy…gaming the system he promised to destroy.

And That’s What Influencers Could Destroy…One Post at a Time

They won’t need to chant in unison.
They won’t need to vote the same way.
They won’t need to form a super PAC or take to the streets.

They’ll just need to do what they do best:

Talk.
Question.
Push.

And let the audience follow their gut.

Because once the trust is gone?
It doesn’t come back.

Bottom Line?

Joe Rogan is a linchpin.

Not because he’s perfect.
Not because he’s always right.
Not because he’s a savior.

But because when a voice that built you…
…turns against you?

It echoes.

And if Trump’s castle falls…don’t expect it to come from a judge’s gavel or a leaked transcript.

Expect it to come from a mic.
A laugh.

A knowing tone that says:

“We were loyal. We listened. And now we know better.”

10 Rogan Quotes Showing Distrust or Disagreement with Trump

1. “I am not a Trump supporter in any way shape or form… I’ve had the opportunity to have him on my show more than once, I’ve said ‘no’ every time. I don’t want to help him.”
   Rogan said this on Lex Fridman's podcast in 2022, revealing he had declined multiple interview requests from Trump's team PBS+11The Daily Beast+11The Times of India+11New York Post.

2. Referring to Trump as a “man baby” and suggesting he abused prescription Adderall…Rogan offered that harsh assessment during a 2021 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience New York Post.

3. “They think we’re babies. Like, what is this?”
   On air with guest Mike Baker, Rogan mocked the Trump administration and FBI claims over the Epstein files, expressing incredulity that supporters would be fooled The Times of India+12ABC News+12The Daily Beast+12.

4. Calling government responses around Epstein a “line in the sand”…saying the administration’s lack of transparency felt insulting…marking a breaking point The Daily Beast+2ABC News+2The Times of India+2.

5. He described Trump's deportation operations as “horrific”, lambasting policies that swept up non-criminal migrants…including a gay makeup artist deported to a Salvadoran prison Wikipedia+2The Guardian+2The Daily Beast+2.

6. “It’s insane... the targeting of migrant workers…not cartel members… gardeners… like, really?”
   Rogan criticized Trump's ICE raids for being overly broad and disconnected from campaign promises The Daily Beast.

7. On Trump’s strikes on Iran and promises of no war:
   Rogan noted that MAGA voters had expected isolationism, calling out the inconsistency: “Now it seems like we’re in a war.” The Daily Beast.

8. Expressing regret for endorsing Trump in 2024, Rogan later described aspects of Trump’s second presidency as “fascist” CBS News+3Wikipedia+3Wikipedia+3.

9. Calling Trump’s feud with Canada “stupid”, Rogan rebuked the former president’s tariff policies and described backlash from Canadian audiences The Washington Post+6Wikipedia+6Yahoo Finance+6.

10. “Trump’s playing golf, and in between swings, he's on the phone with presidents of countries: ‘We’re going to need more money!’”
    Rogan painted a picture of Trump as detached and transactional in foreign affairs Yahoo Finance.

What These Quotes Reveal

• From vocal support to harsh critique: Rogan initially endorsed Trump…even in 2024…but these quotes show a clear dissociation.

• Lack of trust vs. alignment: He characterizes both Trump and his appointees (like Kash Patel) as dishonest or outright insulting toward their base.

• Questions about consistency and integrity: On immigration…war…and transparency…Rogan highlights broken promises and internal contradictions.

• Weaponizing cultural credibility: Unlike partisan pundits…Rogan frames his objections from a values-driven…independent standpoint…which resonates with libertarian-leaning…wellness…and high-performance segments.

How to Know Who Someone Really Is

When I want to assess someone’s future behavior…and I mean really assess it…not just react to a headline…I don’t focus on a single decision. Not even two or three. That kind of snapshot judgment will always lead you astray.

I look at trends.

I ask myself: Have this person’s actions…across time…shown they’re in touch with their own feelings?

Do they recalibrate when new information punches through their old assumptions?

Do they have a backbone strong enough to admit when they’ve been wrong… or at least that the person they once supported crossed a line that shouldn’t have been crossed?

Because that tells you something.

That tells you whether a person is driven by shame or by growth. By image…or by integrity.

And when it comes to someone like Joe Rogan…someone whose Trump endorsement caused more than a few heads to spin…it’s worth looking at the full arc.

Because if we’re being honest…the past few years show a hell of a lot more heart… conscience…and moral conflict than people on either side of the aisle want to admit.

Below is a list that paints a more complete picture. Read it not to excuse…but to understand.

And maybe…to remember what it looks like when someone’s moral compass doesn’t always point left or right, but inward.

Here's the record. You decide.

20 Signs Joe Rogan Has a Heart…Despite His Trump Endorsement

1. Public advocacy for funding education…addiction recovery…and homelessness programs: Rogan recently emphasized on his podcast that it’s “a good idea to have more happy, healthy people,” calling for greater investment in social welfare. Wikipedia+3Yahoo Finance+3Facebook+3

2. Uncovering charity fraud: He used his platform to expose how Kids Wish Network raised $127 million but spent less than 14 cents per dollar on actual aid to children. That shows concern for real human impact. The SportsRush+2EssentiallySports+2Instagram+2

3. Critique of cancer charity abuses: In the same episode…Rogan also called out Cancer Fund of America for misleading donors while giving almost nothing to patients. Spotify+6EssentiallySports+6The SportsRush+6

4. Urging scrutiny of charity overheads: With Dave Portnoy…he called for transparency and highlighted Red Cross as an example charity…showing concern for donors and recipients alike. Philanthropy Daily+1The SportsRush+1

5. Warning listeners to avoid corrupt charities: He labels some organizers as “scary” and encourages people to pause before donating…suggesting he cares about protecting others from exploitation. EssentiallySports+2The SportsRush+2Instagram+2

6. Supporting mental health and recovery communities: By promoting professionals like Sarko Gergerian and emphasizing trauma-informed recovery methods…Rogan shows empathy toward those seeking healing. Apple Podcasts+1Spotify+1

7. Bringing tough issues to light unapologetically: Rogan’s willingness to call out government and corporate wrongdoing…including within causes he might ideologically support…suggests moral integrity.

8. Valuing free speech in defense of marginalized voices: His repeated arguments for open debate and rejecting cancel culture reflect care for the vulnerable being silenced. Wikipedia

9. Consistent support for universal health care and UBI: Rogan stands behind socially liberal policies aimed at reducing suffering and increasing economic stability. Wikipedia

10. Defending personal accountability in addiction recovery: His Sober October challenge has encouraged listeners to confront addiction…promoting empathy through shared struggle.Facebook+10Wikipedia+10YouTube+10

11. Apologizing for past offensive language: Rogan acknowledged regret over using racial slurs and called those instances “shameful,” showing accountability and empathy toward communities harmed.EssentiallySports+4Wikipedia+4Wikipedia+4

12. Publicly condemning violent behavior: When fitness influencer Liver King behaved erratically and made threats…Rogan reportedly alerted authorities…pointing to a sense of responsibility for safety. Wikipedia+1New York Post+1

13. Honesty about his imperfect upbringing: He’s shared stories of his father’s domestic violence…advocating humility and empathy toward survivors. Wikipedia

14. Respecting marginalized identities: While engaging in controversial debates… Rogan has affirmed support for trans people’s freedom and the right to choose their own happiness. Wikipedia

15. Supporting same-sex marriage and LGBTQ rights: His consistent public support breaks from typical grievances in conservative circles. Wikipedia

16. Expressing concern over misinformation affecting real people: Even while spreading or hosting fringe ideas…Rogan sometimes calls out misinformation when it causes harm…revealing moral discomfort. Wikipedia

17. Highlighting unethical behavior in high-profile elites: Whether criticizing Hillary Clinton’s speaking fees or charity overheads…Rogan shows disdain for self-serving exploitation. DexaPhilanthropy Daily

18. Encouraging performance and well-being through disciplined health routines: His own commitment to martial arts…diet…and mindfulness suggests he values helping others live at their best.Facebook+5Wikipedia+5YouTube+5

19. Championing independent thinking over tribal loyalty: Rogan often urges listeners to judge ideas rather than ideological labels…a behavior that reflects empathy toward autonomy. Apple Podcasts+13Wikipedia+13Wikipedia+13

20. Shifting criticism toward hypocrisy…regardless of political attachment: His readiness to criticize figures across the political spectrum…including those he previously endorsed…reveals a priority for values over blind allegiance.

Why This Matters

Even the most surprising political endorsements don’t erase a person’s humanity. These acts and beliefs suggest Joe Rogan isn’t a one-note cheerleader; many of his positions reflect a concern for truth…justice…and human well‑being. That matters; now…more than ever.

Final Thought

These quotes form a mosaic of disillusionment…from practical policy criticisms to broader claims of manipulation and betrayal.

Placed together…they reinforce the narrative that Rogan’s shift isn’t marginal…it’s foundational. For his listeners and networked influencers…his words matter. They set a tone…and others may now echo.

This was a long one…but every word was important. I’ll never sacrifice completeness for brevity.

You’re strong. We’re strong. We’re getting stronger…always.

I’ll be back soon!

Warmly,

-Jack

P.S. If you're reading this far…hell yes. You get it.

Now here's the raw truth you won’t hear anywhere else: Joe Rogan just gave you permission to speak louder. To call out the bull. To stop pretending Trump’s “our only shot.” He’s not. He's a risk.

You want to bring the castle down? Then amplify the cracks. Screenshot the hypocrisy.

Forward this post to the friend who's been wavering. Use Rogan’s voice to help them hear their own doubt.

One voice doesn’t topple a tyrant.

But one voice that influences thousands?

That’s how you “burn” the whole damn thing down…and rebuild something better.

Oh…and don’t forget, yesterday…on his podcast, Rogan said, “Deporting people because you don’t like who they’re criticizing? Like, that gets kind of shifty,” The ground is shifting.