How Joe Rogan's America processed Trump's tariffs
Joe Rogan and President Donald Trump talk during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024, in New York City. Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
In between jokes about identity politics and the taste of urine, massively popular podcaster Theo Von and his most recent show guest debated President Donald Trump's tariff and trade policy. Would rising prices in the short term justify the supposed return of manufacturing jobs to America? Or would automation and artificial intelligence end up vaporizing those jobs as well?
'Here's the thing with tariffs. Is the goal of tariffs…if it costs more for people to bring their products in, then they'll build them here?' Von asked comedian Mark Normand on the April 7 episode of This Past Weekend With Theo Von.
'Yes, that's part of it, yeah,' Normand replied. They continued:
Von: 'So it's kind of a long-term play. It's going to take a while.'
Normand: 'It's going to be bumpy for a while, but that's if it works. So we'll see, but it might take 10 years.'
Von: 'Right, but if we don't try this though, then I think it's a wrap.'
Von then recounted some memories from his stand-up tour across America: In many of the towns and smaller cities where he performed, 'there's nothing there.' No business, no industry, and abandoned downtowns. 'You start to be like, nothing's going to change. There's nothing coming that's going to make that different, right?'
Tariffs, it sounded, might be a way to reverse that. But don't forget, Normand replied, 'We got automation coming, we got AI coming, so jobs are going away quick, and everything's digital now. There's nothing manufactured here.'
Von was stumped. 'That's one of the things that people say, well, even if you bring jobs back here, those jobs are going to disappear because of AI anyway,' he said. 'That's one of the other arguments against doing the tariffs at all.'
This excerpt is one of the more sophisticated conversations related to Trump and tariffs happening in the non-hard news space of podcasting. And it's one of many.
Trump's tariff proposals, their partial delay, and their effect on the stock market have been a hot topic across the 'manosphere' — the loose network of podcasters and influencers who market themselves particularly toward young men.
Trump news is covered differently there than it is in the mainstream — often through personal anecdotes, comedy, and banter with non-subject matter experts. But it matters.
How this manosphere reacts to Trump is a useful bellwether for the durability of the coalition that got Trump elected. These brocasters hold sway with tens of millions of Americans and were a crucial avenue for the Trump campaign to reach lower propensity and lower information voters, particularly younger men, for most of last year. They're both a useful tool for tracking how Trump's presidency is being received and processed by millions of people who tend not to keep tabs of political news, and as stand-ins for what subsets of the electorate might be feeling.
For now, that seems to be confusion, fear, and, for some, resilient trust in Trump: In the wake of his 'Liberation Day' tariff announcement — and the subsequent delay in their implementation, the internet ecosystem of podcasters, influencers, and streamers that make up the so-called manosphere don't seem to understand what Trump is doing, seem hesitant to endorse it, or are just remaining quiet.
In other words, they're behaving just like the average American.
You might know some of them: Von, Joe Rogan, and Andrew Huberman. Andrew Schulz, Shawn Ryan, Dave Portnoy, and Lex Fridman. All endorsed Trump, most hosted Trump on their shows, and all were excited for his term to begin. A couple of months later, things are very different.
Some in the manosphere are becoming more critical of Trump
The manosphere doesn't move in unison: There's no secret meeting where they convene to forge a consensus. But broadly, their reactions so far can be divided into three categories: those critical of Trump's tariffs, those confused by them but willing to give the president the benefit of the doubt, and those who are sidestepping the topic entirely.
The first category includes folks like conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, and podcasting king Joe Rogan. Aside from Shapiro, they don't have deeply held ideological beliefs and seem more concerned with pocketbook consequences through the stock market.
When Rogan has talked about Trump's trade policy, for example, the podcaster has frequently expressed confusion, fear, and concern that Trump is acting erratically and going far beyond his campaign promises — especially when it comes to tariffs on close allies.
'I'm scared of this tariff stuff because it's radical change, and I'm scared of radical change,' Rogan said on his April 5 episode, in the week between Trump's 'Liberation Day' announcement and their implementation on April 9. 'Trump is used to being able to charm people. He's very charming. But if you can't speak his language, you're like, 'Fuck this orange asshole.' You know what I mean?'
Since then, he's not really commented on Trump, save to say he understands the nostalgia for American manufacturing.
Shapiro, too, was critical of Trump's broad approach before he announced a rollback of tariffs on other countries. On his YouTube show last Monday, Shapiro called tariffs a 'really problematic' tool to try to increase domestic production and wealth-building. 'The idea that this is inherently good and makes the American economy strong is wrongheaded … It's untrue. The idea that it is going to result in massive re-shoring of manufacturing is also untrue.' He's since toned back his criticism — endorsing confrontation with China, but criticizing the bluntness of a tariff-fueled trade war.
Meanwhile, Portnoy has more obviously seesawed from saying Trump 'crashed the whole stock market' on 'Orange Monday' to calling him the 'best president ever' toward the end of the week. Still, he clarified on CNN this week that he 'was never some crazy MAGA guy.'
Aside from his personal concerns over the stock market, he did explain on his show that a tumultuous market would have downstream effects on small businesses, prices, and unemployment. It matched the sentiment another major influencer, Mr. Beast, expressed as tariffs were being announced: 'We'll figure it out. I feel for small businesses though. Could really be a nail in the coffin for them.'
There's also genuine confusion among brocasters about how much to trust Trump
A second type of manosphere creator is confused about what the point of tariffs is and just what Trump's rationale is for leading the country into trade wars. They aren't necessarily opposed or enthusiastic about tariffs, reducing trade deficits, or recreating manufacturing jobs — they just want a better sense of Trump's thinking and to be reassured that the guy they supported hasn't lost all connection to reality.
This category includes Von, who only releases an episode a week, as he expressed in his conversation with Normand. It includes the comedian Andrew Schulz, who had Trump defender Chamath Palihapitiya from the All-In podcast spend an hour and a half explaining why reciprocal tariffs were a good idea, how America has supposedly been saddled with unfair trade deals, and why universal tariffs were the only way to reorder the global order (only for Trump to walk it back the next day).
A similar thing happened on entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David's podcast and on the Nelk Boys' Full Send podcast hosted by Kyle Forgeard: Both had Trump defenders (sycophantic commentator Benny Johnson for the former, Sean Hannity for the latter) on to try to make sense of Trump's thinking. Both hosts remained Trump-friendly, but don't seem sold on tariffs, even after the White House's attempts to spin Trump's delay.
Others are avoiding tariff talk at all
Finally, there's a score of other commentators who either endorsed or hosted Trump who have yet to weigh in at all. Their silence is a bit perplexing, given that many of them claim to be focused on current events and trending topics.
Hosts like Andrew Huberman, Lex Fridman, and Jake and Logan Paul have not addressed the tariffs or stock market shocks on their shows. Some have released episodes featuring interviews with guests who probably wouldn't be inclined to discuss economics, talking instead about mental and physical health, foreign policy and war, homeschooling, or conspiracy theories.
What these podcasters say, ask, and think matters
These commentators reach and represent a new Republican constituency: those Americans who don't tend to follow the news, who aren't the most politically aware or engaged, or who consume information passively, through non-news programs.
Tracking how they are responding to Trump's economic agenda gives us an insight into what the political ramifications of that agenda might be. And they give us a temperature check of the new groups that joined the Republican coalition in November.
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The economy isn't in stagflation yet, Begley said, "but it's edging that way," he adds: Read more here. Economist Justin Begley of Moody's Analytics tells USA Today that President Trump's economic policies won't cause a recession or stagflation, but will likely slow growth and push up inflation. The economy isn't in stagflation yet, Begley said, "but it's edging that way," he adds: Read more here. Commerce department applies 50% steel, aluminum tariffs to more products (Reuters) -The Trump administration widened the reach of its 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports by adding hundreds of derivative products to the list of goods subject to the levies. In a Federal Register notice late on Friday, the Commerce Department said the Bureau of Industry and Security was adding 407 product codes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States that identify the goods to be hit with the additional duties on the steel and aluminum content of those products. The non-steel and non-aluminum content will be subject to the tariff rates President Donald Trump has imposed on the goods originating from specific countries, the notice said. The levies on the goods on the expanded list go into effect on August 18. Read more here. (Reuters) -The Trump administration widened the reach of its 50% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports by adding hundreds of derivative products to the list of goods subject to the levies. In a Federal Register notice late on Friday, the Commerce Department said the Bureau of Industry and Security was adding 407 product codes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States that identify the goods to be hit with the additional duties on the steel and aluminum content of those products. The non-steel and non-aluminum content will be subject to the tariff rates President Donald Trump has imposed on the goods originating from specific countries, the notice said. The levies on the goods on the expanded list go into effect on August 18. Read more here. Consumers' inflation expectations rise amid Trump tariffs Inflation expectations rose from July to August, indicating that consumers remain uncertain about President Trump's trade policies. Year-ahead inflation expectations increased to 4.9% from 4.5% last month, according to the University of Michigan's survey of consumers. Long-run inflation expectations also rose to 3.9% in August from 3.4% in July. "Overall, consumers are no longer bracing for the worst-case scenario for the economy feared in April when reciprocal tariffs were announced and then paused," Joanne Hsu, the university's Surveys of Consumers director, wrote. "However, consumers continue to expect both inflation and unemployment to deteriorate in the future." Consumer sentiment also deteriorated month over month, falling for the first time in four months. The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 58.6 from 61.7 a month ago. Read more here. Inflation expectations rose from July to August, indicating that consumers remain uncertain about President Trump's trade policies. Year-ahead inflation expectations increased to 4.9% from 4.5% last month, according to the University of Michigan's survey of consumers. Long-run inflation expectations also rose to 3.9% in August from 3.4% in July. "Overall, consumers are no longer bracing for the worst-case scenario for the economy feared in April when reciprocal tariffs were announced and then paused," Joanne Hsu, the university's Surveys of Consumers director, wrote. "However, consumers continue to expect both inflation and unemployment to deteriorate in the future." Consumer sentiment also deteriorated month over month, falling for the first time in four months. The University of Michigan's Consumer Sentiment Index fell to 58.6 from 61.7 a month ago. Read more here. US import prices rebound in July on higher consumer goods costs US import prices rebounded in July in the latest sign that inflation is set to pick up because of tariffs. Reuters reports: Read more here. US import prices rebounded in July in the latest sign that inflation is set to pick up because of tariffs. Reuters reports: Read more here. Trump says semiconductor tariffs could reach 300% President Trump said Friday he is planning on unveiling tariffs on semiconductor imports over the next two weeks, hinting that those duties could reach as high as 300%. From Bloomberg: Read more here. President Trump said Friday he is planning on unveiling tariffs on semiconductor imports over the next two weeks, hinting that those duties could reach as high as 300%. From Bloomberg: Read more here. Applied Materials' shares sink on weak China demand, tariff risks Shares in Applied Materials (AMAT) sank 14% before the bell on Friday after the chip equipment maker issued weak fourth-quarter forecasts on sluggish China demand, fueling concerns over tariff-related risks. Reuters reports: Read more here. Shares in Applied Materials (AMAT) sank 14% before the bell on Friday after the chip equipment maker issued weak fourth-quarter forecasts on sluggish China demand, fueling concerns over tariff-related risks. Reuters reports: Read more here. China's economy lags in July under pressure from tariffs and a weak property market China's economy lagged in July as factory output and retails sales slowed and house prices dropped, according to data released on Friday. President Trump's tariffs have added to uncertainty on exports and are looming over the world's second-largest economy. Concerns linger despite Trump extending a pause in sharp hikes in import duties for 90 days, beginning Monday, following a 90-day pause that began in May. AP reports: Read more here. China's economy lagged in July as factory output and retails sales slowed and house prices dropped, according to data released on Friday. President Trump's tariffs have added to uncertainty on exports and are looming over the world's second-largest economy. Concerns linger despite Trump extending a pause in sharp hikes in import duties for 90 days, beginning Monday, following a 90-day pause that began in May. AP reports: Read more here. Taiwan lifts 2025 growth forecast, defying US tariff worries Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. These tariffs are bananas An interesting spot from this week's inflation data: Prices for the reliable, potassium-heavy banana have jumped to their highest price ever recorded. Banana prices peaked around $0.64 per pound in the post-COVID inflation wave and then went on a slow downward trajectory. That is, until April 2025, when President Trump announced his first wave of sweeping tariffs. Prices are now hovering near $0.66 per pound. As the Yale Budget Lab chief Ernie Tedeschi noted on X, the average tariff rate on banana imports went from virtually nothing to very much something as Trump imposed tariffs on most US trading partners. That's nuts! An interesting spot from this week's inflation data: Prices for the reliable, potassium-heavy banana have jumped to their highest price ever recorded. Banana prices peaked around $0.64 per pound in the post-COVID inflation wave and then went on a slow downward trajectory. That is, until April 2025, when President Trump announced his first wave of sweeping tariffs. Prices are now hovering near $0.66 per pound. As the Yale Budget Lab chief Ernie Tedeschi noted on X, the average tariff rate on banana imports went from virtually nothing to very much something as Trump imposed tariffs on most US trading partners. That's nuts! Tapestry forecasts annual profit below estimates on tariff pain Tapestry (TPR) stock fell 8% before the bell on Thursday after the Coach handbag maker forecast annual profit below estimates. The company cited higher costs due to tariffs that have hit its margins. Reuters reports: Read more here. Tapestry (TPR) stock fell 8% before the bell on Thursday after the Coach handbag maker forecast annual profit below estimates. The company cited higher costs due to tariffs that have hit its margins. Reuters reports: Read more here. Tariff confusion drives record volume at Los Angeles Port (Bloomberg) — The Port of Los Angeles said it handled the highest container volume in its 117-year history last month, as uncertainty over President Donald Trump's tariffs drives shippers to front-load cargoes. Already the busiest port in the country, LA moved more than 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in July, an 8.5% increase from a year ago, the operator said on Wednesday. That includes containers entering and exiting its terminals, with loaded imports rising by a similar percentage to nearly 544,000 TEUs. The total volume handled was 14.2% higher than in June. Read more here. (Bloomberg) — The Port of Los Angeles said it handled the highest container volume in its 117-year history last month, as uncertainty over President Donald Trump's tariffs drives shippers to front-load cargoes. Already the busiest port in the country, LA moved more than 1 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in July, an 8.5% increase from a year ago, the operator said on Wednesday. That includes containers entering and exiting its terminals, with loaded imports rising by a similar percentage to nearly 544,000 TEUs. The total volume handled was 14.2% higher than in June. Read more here. Pharma tariffs are likely weeks away, Reuters reports US tariffs on pharmaceutical imports are coming but not imminent, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing unnamed sources. Trump has previously warned duties on the drug industry could reach as much as 250%. Reuters reports: Read more here. US tariffs on pharmaceutical imports are coming but not imminent, Reuters reported Wednesday, citing unnamed sources. Trump has previously warned duties on the drug industry could reach as much as 250%. Reuters reports: Read more here. Brazil's Lula announces $5.5 billion in credits for exporters hit by US tariffs Brazilinan President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced a plan that includes $5 billion in credit to help local exporters handle tariffs . Associated Press reports: Read more here. Brazilinan President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced a plan that includes $5 billion in credit to help local exporters handle tariffs . Associated Press reports: Read more here. Swiss say tariffs could raise costs for US F-35A jets The original price of the 36 fighter jets Switzerland is buying from the United States could go up by more than $1 billion due to the impacts of tariffs. Reuters reports: Read more from Reuters here. The original price of the 36 fighter jets Switzerland is buying from the United States could go up by more than $1 billion due to the impacts of tariffs. Reuters reports: Read more from Reuters here. AI boom could help manufacturers adapt to global tariff landscape Mark Bendeich of Reuters details how the confluence of supply chain disruption from Trump's tariff policy and the rise of AI software solutions is leading to increased innovation among manufacturers. Richard Howells, SAP vice president and supply chain specialist, emphasized that the uncertainty surrouding Trump's trade policy is driving the technology push. "That's how it was during the financial crisis, Brexit and COVID," Howells stated. "And it's what we're seeing now." Read more here. Mark Bendeich of Reuters details how the confluence of supply chain disruption from Trump's tariff policy and the rise of AI software solutions is leading to increased innovation among manufacturers. Richard Howells, SAP vice president and supply chain specialist, emphasized that the uncertainty surrouding Trump's trade policy is driving the technology push. 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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent ruled out Chinese investments as part of a US trade deal. When asked if China would offer a multi-billion dollar pleadges like Japan, South Korea and the EU, Bessent said no. Bloomberg News reports: Read more here. Tariffs bring in record $27.7 billion in July as Trump calls haul 'incredible for our country' Yahoo Finance's Brett LoGiurato and Ben Werschkul report: Yahoo Finance's Brett LoGiurato and Ben Werschkul report: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
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- USA Today
Changing jobs? How to protect your 401(k) from hidden fees
If you're not careful, 401(k) fees can eat away at your retirement savings. Here's what to know. A U.S. Government Accountability Office study reported that 41% of American workers are unaware that 401(k) plans carry fees. Yet these fees can cost a workers thousands (and thousands) of dollars throughout their working years, leaving them with smaller retirement accounts than expected. It's common to lose track of fees when deciding whether to roll your existing 401(k) over or leave it where it is. However, it's essential to know how much you're paying in 401(k) fees and the effect they'll have on your retirement account. Here's what you need to know about 401(k) fees when changing jobs, where to find them, and how to control them. If you're not changing jobs, these tips can help you take control of an existing 401(k) and the amount you're paying out in fees. 401(k) fees add up If you're changing jobs, it's possible that your old employer paid your retirement account fees on your behalf while you worked there. However, once you move on from the job, it's unlikely that the company will continue to cover those fees. If that's the case, your old retirement account may be exposed to fees you know nothing about. Let's say one of the fees you're suddenly responsible for paying is a $4.55 monthly non-employee account maintenance fee. You could lose $17,905 in fees throughout your career. More: Americans believe this is the No. 1 obstacle to saving for retirement Get a copy of your 401(k) fee schedule Whether it's an old account managed by a former employer or an account you're opening with your new employer, you need to know exactly where to find fee information. A fee schedule is typically buried deep in the 401(k) plan document, making it difficult to find. Knowing what to look for is the key. Your employer must provide documents detailing how much you're paying in fees. The fee-specific document is often called the 401(a)(5) fee disclosure, although it may have another name. If you don't have a copy somewhere at home, you can typically find it on your plan's website or through your company's human resources department. What to look for 401(k) plans label their fees with a variety of names. Here are some of the most common names: As you review the Participant Fee Disclosure, note any terms that suggest a fee. How to know if you're paying too much All 401(k) plans charge fees, and you can't avoid paying them. However, there are steps you can take to keep your costs to a minimum. 401(k) fees usually range from 0.5% to 2% or more of plan assets annually. If the fees associated with your retirement account are more than 0.5%, you're probably paying too much. The chunk of money going to fees each year represents money you could have kept in your retirement account and allowed to grow. What you can do to control 401(k) fees While you won't find a prospectus that covers your 401(k) as a whole, you will find individual prospectuses for each fund in your 401(k). A prospectus is a document that gives you detailed information about each investment, including objectives, expected outcomes, risks, and fees. Most plan administrators provide these documents online. If not, contact your 401(k) administrator or HR department. You may not be able to eliminate fees entirely, but here's what you can do to reduce them: 401(k) fees may not actually be "hidden," but they can definitely be a challenge to find. Knowing how to find them could be your superpower, your way of redirecting money once spent on fees toward investments. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. The Motley Fool is a USA TODAY content partner offering financial news, analysis and commentary designed to help people take control of their financial lives. Its content is produced independently of USA TODAY. The $23,760 Social Security bonus most retirees completely overlook Offer from the Motley Fool: If you're like most Americans, you're a few years (or more) behind on your retirement savings. But a handful of little-known "Social Security secrets"could help ensure a boost in your retirement income. One easy trick could pay you as much as $23,760 more... each year! Once you learn how to maximize your Social Security benefits, we think you could retire confidently with the peace of mind we're all after. JoinStock Advisorto learn more about these strategies. View the "Social Security secrets" »
USA Today
4 minutes ago
- USA Today
3 Republican-led states are deploying National Guard troops to DC: What to know
The Republican governors of three states are deploying hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington at the request of the administration of President Donald Trump, who has portrayed the city as awash in crime. The announcements on Aug. 16 of troops from hundreds of miles away in West Virginia, South Carolina and Ohio came a day after DC officials and the Trump administration negotiated a deal to keep Mayor Muriel Bowser's appointed police chief, Pamela Smith, in charge of the police department after DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb filed a lawsuit to block the federal takeover of the department. Trump, a Republican, said this week he was deploying hundreds of DC National Guard troops to Washington and temporarily taking over the Democratic-led city's police department to curb what he depicted as a crime and homelessness emergency. Justice Department data, however, showed violent crime in 2024 hit a 30-year low in Washington, a self-governing federal district under the jurisdiction of Congress. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey's office said in a statement he was deploying 300 to 400 National Guard troops to D.C. in "a show of commitment to public safety and regional cooperation." The statement said he also was providing equipment and specialized training. South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster responded to a Pentagon request by announcing that 200 of his state's National Guard troops would be sent. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he would send 150 military police members in the coming days, adding none of them were "currently serving as law enforcement officers in the state." After the announcements, Mayor Bowser posted on X: "American soldiers and airmen policing American citizens on American soil is #UnAmerican." Troops to other cities? The National Guard serves as a militia that answers to the governors of the 50 states except when called into federal service. The DC National Guard reports directly to the president. Trump, who has suggested he could take similar actions in other Democratic-controlled cities, has sought to expand the powers of the presidency in his second term, inserting himself into the affairs of major banks, law firms and elite universities. In June, Trump ordered 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles, against the wishes of California's Democratic governor, during protests over mass immigration raids by federal officials. South Carolina's McMaster said his troops would immediately return to South Carolina if needed to respond to a possible hurricane or other natural disaster. Hurricane Erin, now northeast of Puerto Rico, has become a catastrophic Category 5 storm that could bring ocean swells to the U.S. East Coast early next week, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. National Guard troops often respond to natural disasters and rarely police US civilians. Drew Galang, a spokesperson for West Virginia's Morrisey, said the state's National Guard received the order to send equipment and personnel to D.C. late on Friday and was working to organize the deployment. The White House said on Aug. 16 that DC National Guard members have conducted patrols on foot and in vehicles around the National Mall and Union Station. The White House said the National Guard troops are not making arrests now and that they may be armed. It is not clear how the administration could deploy National Guard troops elsewhere. A federal judge in San Francisco is expected in the coming weeks to issue a ruling on whether Trump violated the law with the Los Angeles deployments. (Reporting by AJ Vicens in Detroit, Richard Cowan in Washington and Bhargav Acharya in Toronto; Editing by Donna Bryson, Matthew Lewis, Paul Simao and William Mallard)
