In a recent exchange that has captured significant attention, Joe Rogan and Elon Musk reacted to comments made by Kim Williams, the chair of the ABC. Williams accused the popular podcaster Rogan of ‘preying on people’s vulnerabilities’, a statement that did not sit well with Rogan, who responded with a social media post captioned ‘LOL WUT’. This incident unfolded after Williams criticized Rogan’s influence during a speech at the National Press Club. Following this, Musk chimed in, likening the ABC to Russian state media in a separate post, stating, ‘From the head of Australian government-funded media, their Pravda.’ Williams elaborated on his views, highlighting how figures like Rogan exploit societal fears and uncertainties, suggesting they propagate conspiracies as part of the social narrative. He expressed disbelief at the considerable power wielded by individuals like Rogan in the U.S., calling it ‘deeply repulsive’. The back-and-forth comes amid Musk’s criticism of proposed Australian legislation aimed at curbing social media use among young people, which he claimed could lead to greater government control over the internet. Musk’s comments coincided with his new role overseeing a government efficiency department in Donald Trump’s upcoming administration. Williams later mentioned that he faced a ‘huge pile-on’ following his remarks about Rogan. He recounted how making a negative comment about Rogan resulted in a flood of aggressive responses, with critics labeling him as ‘unhinged’ and an ’embarrassment’ to Australia. The discourse also touched on Rogan’s significant impact on U.S. elections, particularly regarding Vice-President Kamala Harris’s decisions during her presidential campaign. As election day approached, Donald Trump featured on ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’ for a lengthy interview, which was suggested by his son. Trump later acknowledged Rogan’s influence during his victory speech in Palm Beach. Despite speculation about Harris appearing on the podcast, Rogan confirmed that no interview would take place. Harris’s senior adviser indicated they had wanted to participate but could not agree on a suitable date, ultimately concluding that it wouldn’t affect the election’s outcome.
