Joe Rogan predicts Nick Fuentes could become president
Joe Rogan suggested Nick Fuentes, a right-wing figure considered to be a "white nationalist" by the Southern Poverty Law Center, could "probably" become president "in a few years" during the latest episode of his podcast The Joe Rogan Experience.Newsweek reached out to Fuentes for comment via a message on X.Why It MattersFuentes, a well-known figure on the right, has drawn scrutiny from across the political spectrum over his comments about race, such as his recent remarks calling Vice President JD Vance a "race traitor" for being married to Usha Vance, the daughter of two Indian immigrants. The Southern Poverty Law Center describes him as a "white nationalist livestreamer" and an "outspoken admirer of fascists."What to KnowRogan discussed the possibility about a potential Fuentes presidency during an interview with comedian and actor Shane Gillis this week. Rogan said he believes Fuentes "could probably win in a few years," noting that he believes the shifting political landscape has made that a possibility."Listen, he couldn’t have existed before, right? Ten, 20 years ago? Couldn’t have existed. Now, super popular. What’s 20 years from now look like? Maybe someone like that could win," he said.Fuentes could appeal to some young men who feel "unrepresented," he said."I will say this about it. It’s fascinating to watch that. There’s like a whole group of people that feel very unrepresented in the world, and especially, like, young men. And here you’ve got this young guy with a very high verbal IQ, and he also does a lot of s***posting, a lot of talking s***, a lot of trolling. Says women shouldn’t be allowed to vote. This is wild s***," Rogan said.Fuentes has drawn rebuke from both Democrats and Republicans for some of his comments including his latest remarks about the second lady. He is affiliated with the far-right Groyper movement. During a recent interview with Piers Morgan, Fuentes described Adolf Hitler as "cool." The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) describes Fuentes as a "white supremacist and rabid misogynist."Conservative activist Ben Shapiro criticized other commentators for platforming Fuentes, whom he called a "Hitler apologist, Nazi-loving, anti-American piece of refuse," during a recent Turning Point USA event.What People Are SayingJournalist Danny Gold responded to the clip of Rogan on X: "To be fair, there’s a lot of us asking what it looks like 20 years from now. The big difference is we don’t think it’s funny when considering the possibilities."Commentator Eyal Yakoby wrote to X: "The podcast bros have become completely driven by audience capture. In the increasingly competitive world, each feels the need to become more radical to outcompete others. It’s pathetic."British journalist Piers Morgan said on NewsNation last week: "I interviewed Nick Fuentes last week. Many people think he’s the extreme right, and it certainly blew up very big. Millions of people watched it, and millions of people debated it. It caused a lot of controversy and so on. "My view about people like him is you can either let them operate in their own silo, unchallenged, unhinged in many ways and just spread their message, which millions of people think is extreme to millions and millions of people, and they get their own traction without anyone holding them to account. Or as with Andrew Tate, another one I would say I’ve interviewed times, I get them in front of me, they already have a big following—it’s not going to make much difference whether I interview them or not—but I do at least then have something on my platform where people can come and they can see them properly challenged."What Happens NextFuentes has not formally said he plans to run for any office. He is only 27, so he is not able to run in 2028.The news cycle is loud. Algorithms push us to extremes. In the middle—where facts, ideas and progress live—there's a void. At Newsweek, we fill it with fearless, fair and fiercely independent journalism.Common ground isn't just possible—it's essential. Our readers reflect America's diversity, united by a desire for thoughtful, unbiased news. Independent ratings confirm our approach: NewsGuard gives us 100/100 for reliability, and AllSides places us firmly in the political center.In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. Ours is different: The Courageous Center—it's not "both sides," it's sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Conventional Wisdom: Tracking political winds with clarity. Uncommon Knowledge: Deep dives into overlooked truths. Ad-free browsing and exclusive editor conversations.Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
