Former President Donald Trump urged podcaster Joe Rogan on Monday to “stop apologizing” over attempts in recent weeks to cancel him for spreading so-called “misinformation” related to COVID-19 and using racial slurs in the past.
“Joe Rogan is an interesting and popular guy, but he’s got to stop apologizing to the Fake News and Radical Left maniacs and lunatics,” Trump wrote in an email provided to American Military News. “How many ways can you say you’re sorry? Joe, just go about what you do so well and don’t let them make you look weak and frightened. That’s not you and it never will be!”
Rogan, who hosts the mega-popular podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience” on Spotify, appears to be taking the criticism in stride – the podcast host took to the stand-up stage this week to mock the ongoing effort to shut him down.
“I haven’t used that word in years,” Rogan said, referring to a viral video showing him using a racial slur that many have argued was taken out of context. “But it’s kind of weird people will get really mad if you use that word and tweet about it on a phone that’s made by slaves.”
Left-leaning critics of Rogan have pushed for Spotify to remove his podcast in recent weeks over claims of spreading COVID-19 misinformation. The attacks then turned to Rogan’s use of a racial slur in past podcasts, which prompted Rogan to issue an apology.
Spotify CEO Daniel Ek also released a statement in response to Rogan’s past use of a racial slur.
“While I strongly condemn what Joe has said and I agree with his decision to remove past episodes from our platform, I realize some will want more. And I want to make one point very clear – I do not believe that silencing Joe is the answer,” Ek said, according to NBC News. “We should have clear lines around content and take action when they are crossed, but canceling voices is a slippery slope. Looking at the issue more broadly, it’s critical thinking and open debate that powers real and necessary progress.”
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis also echoed former President Trump’s message to Rogan, arguing that he should not have apologized to “the mob.”
“No, he shouldn’t have apologized. I mean, you see what happens? The mob will come after people, and they’re targeting Rogan because he’s threatening to upset the apple cart on some of the things that they’re holding dear. And with COVID, he’s just bringing opposing views. He’s letting people decide. They say he’s against [the COVID vaccine]. I do not listen to his show, but then I read he specifically advocated for people with co-morbidities and elderly to get vaccinated,” DeSantis said in an interview with Fox News this week.
“I think a lot of the legacy outlets and I think the left fear the fact that he can reach so many people, and so they’re out to destroy him,” he continued. “But what I would say is don’t give an inch. Do not apologize. Do not kow to the mob. Stand up and tell them to pound sand; if you do that, there’s really nothing that they’re able to do to you. The only way they have power is if you let them get your goat.”