News analysis

Right-leaning online shows claiming to be nonpolitical pushed pro-Trump messaging during the administration’s first 30 days

Media Matters for America · last updated

Popular online shows that self-identify as comedy, business, or another supposedly nonpolitical category but have a right-leaning ideological bent — including those of Joe Rogan and Patrick Bet-David — pushed pro-Trump messaging and right-wing misinformation/narratives during the first 30 days of the Trump administration.

In a new study, Media Matters has reviewed episodes published within the first 30 days of President Donald Trump’s second administration from 12 online shows that are not explicitly identified as news- or politics-related but have a right-leaning ideological bent and interviewed Trump or Vice President JD Vance during the 2024 presidential election. We found that two-thirds of the episodes included pro-Trump messaging — such as praise for the president, his administration, or its policies — or right-wing misinformation/narratives from the hosts and/or guests.

Related Knowledge Center: Democracy and politics

State of Play

News organizations are scrambling to find a coverage approach that adequately informs the American public about the country’s slide from democracy to authoritarian rule.

The White House vs. the press


More informationabout Democracy and politics

Related Knowledge Center: Information integrity

State of Play

In an increasingly fractured media landscape, truth has been a casualty in the public discussion. Coverage has been warped by the business needs of struggling news organizations, and a significant segment of the public relies on bad-faith outlets that are little more than propagandists. While fact-checking has become routine, some organizations are exploring other ways to combat the trends. And misinformation spewed by AI-driven chatbots has become more of a feature than simply a bug. 

Fact-checking and its detractors


More informationabout Information integrity