Gavin Newsom and Joe Rogan’s Feud Escalates

Newsom Challenges Joe Rogan to On-Air Debate After Criticism

California Governor Gavin Newsom publicly challenged podcaster Joe Rogan to host him on The Joe Rogan Experience after Rogan criticized his leadership on air.
“Invite me on any time,” Newsom wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter), directly addressing Rogan. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rogan’s Critique and Political Influence

Rogan, who endorsed President Donald Trump in the 2024 election, remains one of the most influential media figures in American culture. His podcast regularly tops streaming charts, and Trump’s own appearance during his campaign was widely viewed. Rogan, however, has not been uncritical of Trump, previously taking aim at his administration’s handling of immigration raids and the Jeffrey Epstein files. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rogan Slams Newsom’s Leadership, Says Governor “Wants to Be President So Bad”

During a recent episode with retired Navy SEAL and author Jack Carr, Rogan said of Newsom, “He wants to be president so bad. You can’t ruin a city and then go on to ruin a state and say, ‘guys, that was just practice, once I get in as president, I’m gonna fix it.’” The clip, viewed over 5 million times on X, also featured Rogan dismissing Carr’s remark that Newsom was “a great politician,” responding, “No, he’s not.” Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Newsom’s Response

In response, Newsom accused Rogan of avoiding open debate, writing on X: “Joe Rogan is too [chicken emoji] to have me on his show and expose his listeners to the truth.” He followed the jab with a list of California’s achievements under his leadership, noting the state’s rankings as “#1 in manufacturing,” “#1 in new business starts,” and “#1 in farming,” among others. Jack Gruber / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Political Stakes for 2028

Newsom has been California’s governor since 2019 and previously served as lieutenant governor for eight years. His name has often surfaced as a potential Democratic presidential contender for 2028, though he has never formally announced such ambitions.

Analysts suggest Newsom’s challenge to Rogan could be a strategic effort to reach Rogan’s sizable young male audience—an increasingly critical demographic in national elections. Jasper Colt, Jasper Colt / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Ongoing Feud Likely

Given both men’s prominence, their public exchanges are likely to continue. Rogan, who releases multiple episodes weekly, often shapes political discourse with his interviews and opinions, while Newsom continues to position himself as a leading voice within the Democratic Party. Jeffrey Swinger-Imagn Images