Podcast host Joe Rogan has called out Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama for their apparent hypocrisy during their speeches at the Democratic National Convention (DNC). The criticism comes after both women addressed issues of wealth inequality despite their own substantial net worths.
According to the New York Post, Rogan took issue with the disconnect between their messages and their personal financial situations.
During the DNC, Oprah Winfrey spoke about her experiences with racism, sexism, and income inequality. Meanwhile, Michelle Obama shared anecdotes about her parents' modest aspirations and suspicion of excessive wealth.
Rogan, known for his outspoken commentary, didn't hold back in pointing out what he perceived as contradictions in their statements.
Rogan specifically targeted Oprah's comments on income inequality, expressing disbelief at her ability to discuss the topic given her immense wealth. He remarked on his podcast:
How about Oprah? Oprah was talking about her and Trump running together, and now she's speaking to the DNC that he's a threat to democracy and she's up there talking about income inequality, like, 'Hey lady… you're rich as f—.' I'm like, 'How is that equal?'
The podcaster's comments highlight the irony of a billionaire media mogul addressing economic disparities. Oprah's net worth, estimated by Forbes to be around $3 billion, has made her critique of income inequality a target for skepticism.
Rogan wasn't alone in his criticism. Conservative radio host Dana Loesch also pointed out the incongruity between Oprah's lifestyle and her message, mentioning her Hawaiian estate, multiple homes, and luxury vacations as examples of her wealth.
Turning his attention to Michelle Obama's speech, Rogan highlighted the former First Lady's reference to her parents' wariness of excessive wealth. He contrasted this with the Obamas' current financial status, which has grown significantly since their time in the White House.
Rogan commented on the disparity between Michelle Obama's words and her family's current lifestyle:
And also when Michelle Obama was saying, you know, I think she was saying her mother or grandmother was always suspicious of people who took more than they needed, like, you are worth so much money. That's so crazy. You did it on a civil servant's salary which is insane.
The Trump War Room, the official account of former President Trump's 2024 campaign, also weighed in on this apparent contradiction. They pointed out that Michelle Obama, with a reported net worth of $70 million and a mansion in Martha's Vineyard, seemed at odds with the values she described in her speech.
Adding another layer to the controversy, the Trump campaign resurfaced a thank-you letter Oprah wrote to Donald Trump in 2000. In the letter, Winfrey suggested that Trump would make a good president and even mused about the possibility of them running for office together.
This revelation stands in stark contrast to Oprah's current stance, where she criticized Trump at the DNC and described him as a threat to democracy. The shift in her position over the years has not gone unnoticed, with many questioning the sincerity of her current political alignment.
The criticisms raised by Joe Rogan and others highlight the complex relationship between wealth, politics, and public perception. As high-profile figures like Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama continue to speak out on issues of inequality, their own financial success becomes a point of contention. The debate surrounding their DNC speeches serves as a reminder of the scrutiny public figures face when addressing economic issues, especially when their personal circumstances differ significantly from those they claim to represent.
