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Trump Endorses Douglas Murray Following Contentious Joe Rogan Debate on Misinformation and Israel-Hamas Conflict
Former President Donald Trump has voiced his support for conservative author Douglas Murray after Murray’s heated exchange with Joe Rogan concerning the dissemination of misinformation and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The debate, which took place on Joe Rogan‘s widely listened-to podcast, saw Murray challenge Rogan’s approach to platforming content.
Murray and Rogan Clash Over Podcast Content
During his appearance on the popular podcast, Murray engaged in a back-and-forth with host Joe Rogan and fellow guest David Smith, a libertarian, regarding both the Israel-Hamas war and Murray’s concerns about what he perceives as Rogan’s role in providing a platform for conspiracy theories.
In Thursday’s episode, Rogan, a staunch advocate for unrestricted free speech, refuted claims that he treats guests presenting alternative historical theories as credible historians. This denial came amidst a vigorous discussion between Murray and Smith about the complexities of the Middle East conflict.
Trump’s Public Endorsement of Murray’s New Book
Following the widespread attention the debate garnered online, Donald Trump utilized his Truth Social platform to promote Murray’s latest literary work.
“My friend, Douglas Murray, just launched his new book, “On Democracies and Death Cults,” and it is rapidly becoming a bestseller! Drawing from firsthand accounts, Douglas meticulously documents the brutality of Hamas‘s vicious assault on Israel on October 7th, and Israel‘s valiant response,” Trump posted on Friday.
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“The book serves as a powerful reminder of why unwavering support for America, and our esteemed friend and ally, Israel, is paramount. A compelling read from a highly respected author – Secure your copy today!”
Murray has not issued a public statement but did repost the former president’s message on his X (formerly Twitter) feed.
Murray Accuses Rogan of Platforming “Dangerous” Misinformation
The columnist and writer directly confronted Rogan, asserting his belief that Rogan bears responsibility for contributing to the spread of misinformation in society.
“I believe you have given a platform to numerous individuals who have proceeded to disseminate counter-historical narratives of a considerably perilous nature,” Murray stated to Rogan directly.
Murray cited podcaster Darryl Cooper and Holocaust denier Ian Carroll as examples of Rogan‘s guests who have disseminated questionable information.
Daryl Cooper has reportedly claimed that the Nazis did not intend to commit mass murder and controversially suggested Winston Churchill was the primary antagonist of World War Two.
“These individuals are not historians; they possess no demonstrable expertise,” Murray argued.
“No one is presenting Ian Carroll as a historian,” Rogan retorted.
“But then why give credence to their perspectives on Churchill?” Murray countered. “If the only viewpoint presented is the notion that Churchill was the villain of the 20th century, it will inevitably lead some to adopt that position as truth. And that is utter nonsense.”
“I do not perceive it in that manner,” Rogan reiterated. “My perspective is simply that I am interested in speaking with that individual.”
Murray remained unconvinced and concluded, “There comes a point where the stance of ‘merely posing questions’ ceases to be valid… You are not simply asking questions; you are conveying a specific message to people.”
Rogan’s Defense of Free Speech and Past Controversies
Joe Rogan is a fervent defender of the American First Amendment right to free speech, frequently citing it as a primary factor in his endorsement of Donald Trump for president prior to the election.
He has also consistently praised Elon Musk for acquiring Twitter, rebranding it as X, and ostensibly fostering an environment of free speech on the platform, which had previously been accused of censoring dissenting viewpoints.
Rogan has also voiced criticism regarding what he sees as growing authoritarian tendencies in Britain, particularly condemning the nation’s Online Safety Act, which has led to arrests based on social media activity.
Past Criticisms and Controversies Surrounding Rogan’s Podcast
Murray’s confrontation with Rogan follows prior criticism from John F. Kennedy’s grandson, who rebuked Rogan for allegedly spreading misinformation regarding the president’s 1963 assassination.
Jack Schlossberg targeted the podcaster for his 2023 interview with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., where Kennedy Jr. promoted the theory that U.S. intelligence agencies were responsible for John F. Kennedy’s death.
Trump appeared on Rogan‘s podcast months later and pledged to declassify all documents related to JFK’s assassination if elected president.
“Are you going to delve into all the JFK assassination files tomorrow with your little buddy Bobby?” Schlossberg questioned Rogan in a video posted on Instagram. “You better.”
“After disseminating all those falsehoods, are you not obligated to verify their veracity?” he questioned rhetorically.
In the video’s caption, Schlossberg also challenged Rogan to invite him onto his show.
“Just kidding, you are too afraid to engage in conversation with someone who holds differing opinions,” Schlossberg remarked.
Rogan’s Podcast Success and Spotify Partnership
Rogan has risen to become the most successful podcaster nationwide, largely due to his interviews with individuals holding controversial perspectives.
This approach has proven lucrative, with Spotify renewing their agreement with Rogan last year for a multi-year term valued at as much as $250 million.
Over time, Rogan has cultivated a vast audience that tunes into his lengthy, wide-ranging interviews with a diverse array of guests, encompassing comedians, athletes, scientists, and even conspiracy theorists.
“There is no predetermined script for our discussions; everything unfolds organically in real-time,” Rogan stated in a Spotify blog post. “It is simply an authentic, spontaneous dialogue between individuals enjoying the exchange, something universally relatable and appealing. These conversations have profoundly shaped my worldview and continue to do so.”
Spotify Under Pressure Over Rogan’s Content
The show consistently ranks as Spotify’s most popular podcast, yet it also frequently generates controversy for the platform.
In 2022, Spotify faced intense pressure to terminate its relationship with Rogan due to his remarks on coronavirus vaccines and his use of racial slurs, leading some musicians, notably Neil Young, to remove their music from the service in protest.
In February 2022, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek condemned the host’s use of racist language but stated, “I do not believe that silencing Joe is the appropriate response.”
Rogan identifies as a progressive who initially supported Bernie Sanders in 2016 but transitioned into a MAGA supporter, citing recent perceived excesses of the Democrat party as the catalyst for his shift.