Joe Rogan, known as America’s leading podcaster, attracts about 20 million listeners each week. However, he often falls for misleading images and videos online, even after they’ve been debunked. Recently, Rogan was tricked by a fake tweet that was purportedly from former President Donald Trump.
In a recent episode featuring conservative British commentators Francis Foster and Konstantin Kisin, the trio discussed the No Kings protests that took place on October 18. Millions joined these demonstrations against Trump, and Rogan attempted to downplay their significance, suggesting the protestors were either paid to attend or merely “geriatrics.”
Rogan went on to claim that if the protests were tolerated, it indicated that Trump couldn’t be a king. It was during this discussion that he showcased the fake tweet he had encountered on Truth Social.
“No, he didn’t send the troops to stop the protests,” Rogan said. “In fact, he congratulated them on doing a great job and said I’m still your president. The tweet’s hilarious; it’s very funny.” One of his guests even laughed in agreement.
Despite his request for the producer to locate the tweet, Rogan seemed to struggle. “Try Truth Social,” he suggested, indicating he thought it was easily accessible.
The fake tweet Rogan referenced read: “A HUGE THANK YOU to all the ‘No Kings’ protesters yesterday! I was very concerned a king was trying to take my place, but thanks to your tireless efforts, I am STILL YOUR PRESIDENT! Great job all!!!” The troubling truth? This tweet was entirely fake.
Despite Rogan’s hunt for the tweet, his producer likely hesitated to reveal it was a fabrication. This particular fake tweet first appeared back in June during the inaugural No Kings protests. It quickly spread on platforms like X and Instagram. Notable figures, including Donald Trump Jr., had previously acknowledged it as fake.
Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo also shared the same false post, unaware of its inauthenticity. The tweet resurfaced again over the weekend, although recent engagements show it hasn’t gained significant traction.
Rogan continued to argue during the episode that the protests mirrored events surrounding Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign in 2024, presuming that her rallies were comprised of paid participants. He claimed this practice is misleading and should not be permissible.
Ironically, Trump’s actual sentiments about the No Kings protests are far more aggressive than the phony tweet Rogan promoted. In reality, Trump shared an AI video on Truth Social featuring himself flying a fighter jet and metaphorically “dumping” on protestors.
Trump’s Truth Social account just posted this AI video of him flying a fighter jet that reads “King Trump.” In it, AI Trump is portrayed wearing a crown while he metaphorically dumps on protesters. It’s a troubling representation of the leader.
Rogan’s habit of spreading misinformation, from AI images of political figures to dubious tweets, raises questions about his impact on public discourse. With millions relying on his content, the implications are serious.
What are the common effects of misinformation on public opinion? Misinformation can lead to distorted perceptions of reality, creating divisions and fostering distrust among communities. Many people may act upon false beliefs without realizing the truth.
Is there a way to ensure that social media influencers promote accurate information? Educating influencers and encouraging critical thinking among followers can be effective in promoting a more informed public discourse.
How can the public identify fake news? It’s essential to fact-check information using reliable sources and cross-referencing claims across multiple platforms to minimize the spread of falsehoods.
Why is it important for podcast hosts like Rogan to validate their sources? Ensuring the credibility of information shared with millions can significantly influence public opinion and impact democratic processes.
In a nutshell, Rogan’s misinformation highlights the urgent need for consumers to engage with media critically. As we navigate this landscape, platforms like Moyens I/O provide valuable insights into related content and media literacy.