President Donald Trump notched a historic victory in 2024, becoming the first Republican to sweep all seven swing states and to secure the popular vote since 1984. His success has been attributed to many different aspects of his campaign, but one unorthodox strategy stuck out.

In between countless campaign rallies and many media appearances, Trump made his rounds on several platforms that have been casually dubbed as the "bro podcasts." The slate of comedians, sports enthusiasts, and cultural commentators is a far cry from the traditional presidential debates brokered by corporate news outlets, yet the reach is arguably greater.

'Like a lot of normal Americans, some of the country's top podcast hosts aren't ideologues, they're just people who detest the political establishment.'

Trump subsequently made significant gains across several demographics, including Gen Z men, a generation that is measurably more conservative compared to their Millennial and Gen X predecessors. At the same time, their support for Trump is beginning to slip, and Democrats can smell blood in the water.

Many of these podcast hosts were perceived as sympathetic toward Trump during his campaign simply for interviewing the Republican frontrunner. It's important to clarify, however, that many of those same podcasters were in talks with former Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign, which eventually turned down all their interview requests — but not before making a pit stop at Alex Cooper's notorious sex podcast, "Call Her Daddy," of course.

Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The bottom line is that these podcasters are not the MAGA apologists the legacy media claims they are. Within the first six months of Trump's second term, the same hosts who sat down with the president leading up to November have also come out and criticized some policies implemented by the administration.

'Democrats shouldn’t approach these podcasts as a place to score points.'

Theo Von, the beloved comedian who hosts "This Past Weekend," has been especially critical of Trump's foreign policy and Israel's ongoing attacks in Gaza. Trump campaigned on ending foreign wars, yet the same conflicts rage on, leaving Von and many other Americans dissatisfied with the administration's trajectory.

“What’s the win for us? We’re just involved in some other thing while we have suffering here at home," Von said in June as tensions grew between Iran and Israel.

The Epstein saga, which dominated the political news cycle for over a week, also sowed division among podcast hosts and American voters alike.

"Sure feels like the dark arts are afoot!" Von said in response to the GOP's handling of Epstein-related votes. "Why no vote Speaker Johnson?"

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Netflix

Comedian Andrew Schulz, who co-hosts the "Flagrant" podcast, has also criticized certain aspects of the Trump administration and its immigration policy. Schulz, who was a lifelong Democrat, told Saagar Enjeti of "Breaking Points" that elected officials ought to be held accountable, even if you supported them.

"If you're not willing to hold the person that you voted for to the standards that they expected, then you're not a real person that cares about what's happening in America," Schulz said.

Because podcasters like Schulz and Von refuse to cast themselves into ideological molds, there is room for a wide range of voices to share their thoughts and exchange ideas with the popular hosts. Many of these critiques are echoed by their audiences, and some Democrats are seizing the opportunity.

Since the inauguration, Trump's approval ratings among Gen Z and male voters have declined, in some cases in the double digits. One CBS poll shows that Gen Z approval of Trump has declined from 55% to 28% in just six months, while overall male approval has dipped from 60% to 47%. Notably, these are the same demographics that make up a large portion of the viewership for podcasts like "The Joe Rogan Experience" and "Flagrant."

'Democrats are desperate to get back their momentum with young voters, especially men, by looking like regular people.'

Emily Jashinsky, host of "After Party with Emily Jashinsky," told Blaze News that the real reason these podcasts have amassed great followings, particularly with young men, is not because of their party affiliation but because they are willing to go against the grain.

"Like a lot of normal Americans, some of the country's top podcast hosts aren't ideologues, they're just people who detest the political establishment," Jashinsky told Blaze News. "Hunter Biden actually framed himself and his father as victims of the political establishment in his conversation with Andrew Callaghan, and that's not an accident."

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

When asked point-blank if the "podcast bro" audience was "up for grabs" for Democrats, Schulz answered bluntly.

"Absolutely," Schulz said. "I'm up for grabs."

Democrats have since been making their rounds on the podcast circuit. Everyone from former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California, and even Gov. Gavin Newsom have made appearances alongside the "podcast bros."

"We're allegedly these 'big MAGA podcasts,' and Pete Buttigieg comes on and has the biggest interview of his career," Schulz said. "Not our biggest interview of our career, his biggest interview."

"It's very simple. Whoever has the ideas that meet the needs of the people and can actively convince us that they can execute those ideas is gonna win our vote."

"Democrats shouldn’t approach these podcasts as a place to score points," Khanna, who has previously appeared on "The Glenn Beck Podcast," told Blaze News. "I have always believed in talking with people who have different views — whether that’s on Fox News or podcasts. It’s about exchanging ideas and building authentic relationships."

Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Although Democrats like Newsom and Buttigieg are broadly considered to be figures of the establishment, their willingness to participate in challenging, long-form interviews is unorthodox for their party.

However, their willingness to deviate from their party norms should not be taken as a newfound embrace for free speech and open dialogue. Rather, this shift among certain Democrats seems to be simply an opportunistic form of damage control in response to America's overwhelming rejection of their party platform.

"Pete Buttigieg and James Talarico have showed up on programs like 'Pardon My Take,' 'Flagrant,' and 'Rogan' now that cancel culture is over, and Democrats are desperate to get back their momentum with young voters, especially men, by looking like regular people," Jashinsky added.

"Ceding these spaces to the right for fear of offending progressive mobs gave the right way more power to define the left because the left would refuse to even enter the arenas, let alone by criticizing the Democratic establishment," Jashinsky said. "Now, they're trying to do both."

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America’s Migrant Crisis Summed Up In One Preventable Tragedy

The damage wrought by Biden will take years to rectify

How NATO’s ‘model intervention’ shattered Libya and Europe

In 2010, Muammar Gaddafi made a dire prediction about Europe’s future. While negotiating a deal with Italy to prevent African migrants from using Libya as a gateway to Europe, he warned: “Tomorrow, Europe might no longer be European … as there are millions who want to come in. … We don't know if Europe will remain an advanced and united continent or if it will be destroyed, as happened with the barbarian invasions.”

A year later, Gaddafi was dead. His removal during an Arab Spring uprising created a power vacuum in Libya, allowing nearly a million migrants from Africa and the Middle East to cross the country unchecked into Europe — just as he had foreseen. Years later, the Migration Policy Institute described Libya’s continued instability, stating: “Post-Gaddafi, the trade and extortion of human beings became a central source of income for communities in Libya, often to the migrants’ detriment.”

No territorial body — whether in Africa, Europe, or anywhere else — can truly function as a nation without securing its borders.

At the peak of the migration surge into Europe in 2015, Libya became a primary transit point, with nearly 200,000 migrants per year making the journey. Smugglers charged between $5,000 and $6,000 per person to cross the Mediterranean on unsafe dinghies. Many landed first on the Italian island of Lampedusa before continuing to welfare-rich destinations like Germany and Sweden.

That same year, a separate wave — the “European migrant crisis” — unfolded, likely influenced by Libya’s collapse. This migration, largely over land, passed through the Middle East, Turkey, and Greece before reaching Germany, where then-Chancellor Angela Merkel welcomed the influx.

The 15th anniversary of Gaddafi’s warning is also a reminder of NATO’s direct role in his downfall. The U.S.-led alliance, facing unprecedented criticism from the current White House, orchestrated the dictator’s removal in 2011. The Arab Spring provided a pretext to eliminate a longtime regional obstacle, setting the stage for the chaos that followed.

Libya remains far from recovery and needless to say has not transitioned into a Western-style democracy. Instead, it resembles a slightly less chaotic version of Iraq, marked by deep tribal and factional divisions. However, a 2017 agreement between Italy and the Libyan coast guard has significantly reduced migrant crossings from Libya to Europe. Meanwhile, rising foreign-led terrorism and organized crime in Germany and Sweden have bolstered the appeal of right-wing populist movements.

NATO’s removal of Gaddafi, once hailed as a “model intervention” by Foreign Affairs, exposed the fundamental flaw of nation-building — failing to account for the vacuum left behind (or, really, just the folly of nation-building itself).

More than a decade later, Libya, like Iraq and Syria, remains fractured not just along political lines but also by tribal and ethnic divisions. Under Gaddafi, Libya had been both a destination and transit hub for migrants, particularly black Africans seeking work in the oil industry. After his fall, many became victims of racial violence and even enslavement by local militias and Islamist groups.

Barack Obama later admitted that failing to plan for Libya’s post-Gaddafi future was his “worst mistake” as president. Reflecting on the crisis, he noted that any stable government must first control its own borders. Given the source, the irony is unmistakable. But the point remains: No territorial body — whether in Africa, Europe, or anywhere else — can truly function as a nation without securing its borders.

JD Vance delivers heartfelt remarks about Pope Francis despite past political differences

Vice President JD Vance delivered magnanimous remarks about Pope Francis during the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast on Friday despite the pope's past criticism of the Trump administration.

Francis previously expressed disapproval of President Donald Trump's immigration policy, saying deportations "[damage] the dignity" of immigrants and "[place] them in a state of particular vulnerability and defenselessness." Although Vance reaffirmed his stance on immigration, he also emphasized his respect for Francis and the Catholic Church, particularly as the pope endures numerous health complications.

'I believe that the pope is fundamentally a person who cares about the flock of Christians under his leadership.'

"I'm not counseling all of you, but I don't think it's good for us as Christians to constantly fight with one another over every single controversy in the church," Vance said. "Sometimes we should let this stuff play out, live our faith as best we can, under the dictates of our faith and under the dictates of our spiritual leaders, but not hold them to the standards of social media influencers, because they're not."

Vance clarified that although there are political differences within the faith, it's more important to remain unified as Catholics.

"As you've probably seen publicly, the Holy Father, Pope Francis, has criticized some of our policies when it comes to immigration," Vance said. "Again, my goal here is not to litigate with him about who's right and who's wrong."

Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

"I think that it's not in the best interest of us again to treat the religious leaders of our faith as just another social media influencer," Vance continued. "And I think, frankly, that goes both ways. If I can be so bold, I think it's incumbent upon our religious leaders to recognize that in the era of social media, people will hang on every single word that they utter, even if that wasn't their intention and even if a given declaration isn't meant for consumption in the social media age."

Rather than nitpicking at every statement and every conflict the pope is involved in, Vance insisted that Francis is more concerned with the health of his church and the Catholics under his leadership.

'Some of our media and some of our social media influencers and even some of us fellow Catholics, I think, are trying to bring the Holy Father into every culture war battle in American politics.'

"But every day, since I heard of Pope Francis' illness, I say a prayer for the Holy Father," Vance said. "Because while yes, I was surprised when he criticized our immigration policy in the way that he has ... I believe that the pope is fundamentally a person who cares about the flock of Christians under his leadership. And he's a man who cares about the spiritual direction of the faith."

Vance put forth a more charitable understanding of the pope and his role, reminding those who may disagree with him to pray for him regardless, particularly as Francis' health is in jeopardy.

"And I say this because every day, me and my children have said a prayer for the Holy Father, and we pray for his health, and we present comfort as he deals with what appears to be a pretty serious health crisis," Vance added. "And while yes, some of our media and some of our social media influencers and even some of us fellow Catholics, I think, are trying to bring the Holy Father into every culture war battle in American politics, I will always remember the Holy Father, whether he makes his way through this illness, and I certainly hope that he does."

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NYC to close more than 50 migrant shelters as tidal wave of illegal aliens slows to trickle

New York City will soon close more than 50 migrant shelters, including the notorious shelter at the Roosevelt Hotel, now that the influx of migrants flowing into the city has slowed to a trickle.

At a press conference on Monday, Democratic Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the future closing of 53 sites and all tent shelters in the city. He attributed the closures to "the successful strategies we put in place here in New York City and because of policies we advocated for at the border."

The closure that has drawn most attention is the migrant shelter at the storied Roosevelt Hotel, located near Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The iconic hotel closed in December 2020 after tourism in the city cratered due to COVID-related government restrictions. Then in May 2023, it reopened as an arrival center and shelter for the hordes of migrants moving into the city as the result of the porous southern border under the Biden administration.

Dubbed "the new Ellis Island," the hotel has served approximately 173,000 migrants in the months since. At its peak in July 2023, hundreds of male migrants even slept outside after the hotel ran out of bed space.

With the surge of migrants also came reports of an uptick in crime, especially smash-and-grab robberies in Times Square. The brutal Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua even reportedly managed to infiltrate the shelter, increasing concerns about safety.

However, the waves of migrants have slowed considerably. In May 2023, the city had to absorb about 4,000 new arrivals each week, causing the migrant population in NYC to swell to 69,000 by January 2024. Now under the Trump administration, that weekly total has slowed to just 350, and the total migrant population has dwindled to 45,000.

The Roosevelt shelter is expected to close in June, according to Adams. It currently houses about 2,850 migrants.

'We're not done caring for those who came into our care.'

Adams appears encouraged by the progress, claiming that the city has crossed another "milestone" in addressing the migrant crisis. However, he hesitated to declare the crisis "over" and cautioned that the city still has a ways to go. "I don’t want to say ‘mission accomplished’ before we’ve accomplished the mission," he said.

"We're not done caring for those who came into our care," Adams continued.

Though Adams seems to be on board with Trump's efforts to curb illegal immigration, he has publicly kept some distance from the new administration as accusations of a quid pro quo between Adams and Trump continue to swirl.

For instance, just last Friday, Adams sued the Trump administration for $80 million in migrant funding the federal government allegedly took back from the city recently. "I believe we deserve that $80 million," Adams said, claiming that Congress had already authorized the money.

After the Trump DOJ moved to dismiss the federal charges filed against Adams, critics suggested that Trump and Adams came to an agreement of sorts, whereby Trump would make Adams' legal troubles go away in exchange for cooperation on immigration. Both the DOJ and the mayor's office have denied the allegations.

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Top NY Dems working to topple Eric Adams for embracing Trump deportation policies: Report

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul is reportedly considering removing Eric Adams from his mayoral post after several New York City officials resigned from his administration.

First Deputy Mayor Maria Torres-Springer as well as Deputy Mayors Meera Joshi, Anne Williams-Isom, and Chauncey Parker all resigned on Monday. Following their resignations, Hochul is set to hold a meeting Tuesday to discuss a "path forward" for the dwindling Adams administration.

'I think they used the terminology, "You were not being a good Democrat,''' Adams said. 'I think that was their philosophy. That I was supposed to silently watch what happens to this city, and I love this city.'

"If they feel unable to serve in City Hall at this time, that raises serious questions about the long-term future of this mayoral administration," Hochul said of the former staff in a Monday statement.

Hochul also alluded to potentially removing Adams from his mayoral post, citing "alleged conduct" that has taken place in City Hall.

"I recognize the immense responsibility I hold as governor and the constitutional powers granted to this office," Hochul said in the statement. "In 235 years of New York State history, these powers have never been utilized to remove a duly-elected mayor; overturning the will of the voters is a serious step that should not be taken lightly."

"That said, the alleged conduct at City Hall that has been reported over the past two weeks is troubling and cannot be ignored," Hochul added. "Tomorrow, I have asked key leaders to meet with me at my Manhattan office for a conversation about the path forward, with the goal of ensuring stability for the City of New York."

Much of the conflict surrounding Adams and the administration in recent weeks has revolved around his sudden embrace of President Donald Trump's deportation policies.

In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Adams admitted that when he spoke with Biden's administration about the migrant crisis, he was told to "be a good Democrat."

"I think they used the terminology, 'You were not being a good Democrat,'" Adams said. "I think that was their philosophy, that I was supposed to silently watch what happens to this city. And I love this city."

Truthfully, Adams couldn't afford to be a "good Democrat" anymore. The migrant crisis in New York City was costing taxpayers billions, flooding their schools and their communities with the expectation of endless welfare and subsidies. After realizing they could no longer foot the bill, Adams' approach changed.

In doing so, Adams has had multiple meetings with border czar Tom Homan, who seemed optimistic about the mayor's cooperation.

"He’s all in on addressing public safety threats that are here illegally and helping me find these missing children," Homan said of Adams.

"I think New York City is about to get a lot safer," Homan said. "I think New York City is about to send a strong message."

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Trump Wastes NO Time Enacting MAGA, Dismantling Biden Administration

Are Democrats reclaiming the 'podcast bros'?

How NATO’s ‘model intervention’ shattered Libya and Europe

NYC to close more than 50 migrant shelters as tidal wave of illegal aliens slows to trickle

Top NY Dems working to topple Eric Adams for embracing Trump deportation policies: Report

Trump Wastes NO Time Enacting MAGA, Dismantling Biden Administration

Bill Maher urges left to stop comparing Trump to Hitler

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GLAAD Smears Charlie Kirk, Puts Target On Back Of Other Conservative Activists

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We’ll keep you informed with top stories for conservatives who want to become informed decision makers.