Yesterday, Republican contender Donald Trump proved his critics wrong by securing victory as the 47th president of the United States, defeating Democratic contender Kamala Harris. Trump took control of key American states like New York and Florida under his name. What strategy did Trump employ this time that he may have overlooked in the 2020 election, where Joe Biden triumphed?

One key strategy was his focus on engaging Gen Z and millennial voters through podcasts, including his appearance on Joe Rogan‘s show. His appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast episode #2219 became one of the most talked-about moments, garnering praise and being echoed in the mainstream media.

Now, once again, Joe Rogan, who had previously criticized Trump, is offering praise for the newly elected president. While entertaining his latest guest in episode #2225, comedian Dave Smith, Rogan shared his thoughts on Trump’s victory, saying, “There’s no way anybody could buck the system. Turns out voting is still real. At least if it’s too big to rig, and clearly, he was too big to rig.”

Initially, Rogan was hesitant to have Trump on his podcast due to their ideological differences. Rogan has always identified as a liberal, while Trump is seen as conservative. This divide kept them from sitting down for an interview, as they didn’t exactly see eye to eye. Rogan once rejected the idea of hosting Trump on his podcast and admitted this openly while speaking to Lex Fridman, saying, “By the way, I am not a Trump supporter, in any way. I have had the opportunity to have him on my show, more than once, and I have said no every time.”

However, things have shifted, thanks partly to UFC boss Dana White, who has a strong relationship with both Rogan and Trump and has acted as a bridge to bring them closer. Following the release of the 2024 U.S. election results, White publicly thanked Rogan while addressing Trump’s supporters on Wednesday night.

Dana White gives a shout-out to Joe Rogan for a key role in Trump’s 2024 victory

In gratitude, after Trump’s recent election win, Dana White took the podium at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, to address Trump supporters. Reflecting on Trump’s journey back to the White House, the UFC head honcho praised those who stood by Trump throughout his campaign. He remarked, “This is what happens when the machine comes after you. What you’ve seen over the last several years, this is what it looks like. They couldn’t stop him. He keeps going forward; he doesn’t quit—the most resilient, hard-working man I’ve ever met in my life. His family are incredible people. This is karma, ladies and gentlemen. He deserves this. They deserve it as a family.”

Concluding his speech, White gave special shoutouts to notable podcasters who featured Trump and helped amplify his message, acknowledging their support. Among those he named were Theo Von, the “Bussin’ with the Boys” hosts Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, and, as he called him, “the mighty and powerful Joe Rogan.”

What are your expectations for Donald Trump’s term as the 47th sworn president? Do you think he’ll tackle the issues Joe Biden may have left unaddressed and bring meaningful improvements for Americans, or would he fall short? Share your thoughts below.