Tariffs Getting Pushback From Trump Media Supporters

Joe Rogan, Dave Portnoy, and Ben Shapiro are prominent media personalities who supported Donald Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign but have recently expressed doubts about his tariff policies. These policies have sparked significant economic turbulence, including a sharp decline in global stock markets, with reports indicating losses of up to $10 trillion in just three days. This has led to a rift among some of Trump’s high-profile backers, who are now publicly questioning the wisdom of his aggressive trade strategy.

Joe Rogan, a wildly popular podcaster with a massive following, endorsed Trump on the eve of the 2024 election. Known for his eclectic guest list and freewheeling discussions, Rogan has historically leaned into Trump’s outsider appeal. The Assocated Press reports he has criticized specific aspects of Trump’s tariff approach, particularly its impact on U.S.-Canada relations. Back in March, Rogan called Trump’s feud with Canada “stupid,” pointing to tariffs that led to Canadians booing Americans at sporting events. His frustration grew when the administration inadvertently deported legal immigrants, an action he labeled “horrific” in early April, signaling broader unease with Trump’s economic and immigration execution.

David Portnoy

Dave Portnoy, the outspoken founder of Barstool Sports, has been a Trump supporter since 2016. Portnoy’s media empire thrives on his brash, no-filter persona, and he’s built a fortune estimated at $100 million. The tariffs, however, hit him personally—hard. He’s claimed losses of up to $20 million in stocks and cryptocurrency due to the market chaos following Trump’s tariff announcements. On his “Davey Day Trader” livestream, Portnoy dubbed the market plunge “Orange Monday,” mocking the policy while insisting he’s not abandoning Trump politically. Still, his vocal complaints—like lamenting Trump golfing while his net worth tanked—highlight a growing tension between loyalty and financial self-interest.

Ben Shapiro, a conservative commentator and co-founder of The Daily Wire, has long been a Trump ally, even fundraising for him. Known for his sharp debates and strict adherence to free-market principles, Shapiro has taken a more ideological stand against the tariffs. On his show, he called Trump’s trade vision “mistaken” and “probably unconstitutional,” arguing that the policy amounts to a massive tax hike on American consumers—potentially $600-700 billion in additional government revenue. Shapiro disputes Trump’s claim that tariffs will re-shore manufacturing, asserting that trade deficits aren’t the economic boogeyman Trump portrays, and most Americans don’t want factory jobs anyway.