Podcaster Joe Rogan has called out media mogul Oprah Winfrey and former First Lady Michelle Obama for what he perceives as hypocrisy in their speeches at the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
According to Fox News, Rogan took issue with both women's comments about wealth and income inequality, given their own substantial net worth.
During the DNC, Winfrey spoke about income inequality and her experiences with racism and sexism. Obama, in her speech, referenced her parents' suspicion of those who took more than they needed. Rogan, known for his outspoken commentary, criticized these statements in light of both women's significant personal wealth.
Rogan specifically targeted Oprah's comments about income inequality, pointing out the irony of her wealth. He expressed his disbelief at her ability to discuss such issues, given her billionaire status.
Rogan said:
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 disconnect he perceives between Winfrey's current stance and her past interactions with former President Donald Trump. Notably, the Trump campaign recently shared a thank-you letter from Winfrey from 2000, suggesting Trump would make a good president.
Rogan also took aim at Michelle Obama's speech, particularly her references to her parents' views on wealth. He questioned the former First Lady's ability to relate to such sentiments given her current financial status.
Addressing Obama's comments, Rogan stated:
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.
Rogan's remarks underscore his skepticism about the authenticity of Obama's message, considering her significant wealth accumulation since leaving the White House.
Rogan's criticisms were echoed by other public figures and social media users. Many pointed out the apparent contradiction between Winfrey and Obama's statements and their personal financial situations.
Conservative radio host Dana Loesch commented on Winfrey's speech, highlighting the contrast between her words and her lifestyle. The official account of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign also weighed in, noting Michelle Obama's substantial net worth and her residence in Martha's Vineyard.
These reactions demonstrate a broader public sentiment questioning the credibility of wealthy individuals speaking about income inequality and wealth distribution. The controversy surrounding these DNC speeches reflects ongoing debates about wealth, politics, and public perception in America.
In conclusion, Joe Rogan's comments have sparked a discussion about wealth and political messaging. His criticisms of Oprah Winfrey and Michelle Obama highlight the challenges public figures face when addressing economic issues while being wealthy themselves. The incident underscores the complexities of discussing income inequality in a politically charged environment, especially when the speakers are perceived as part of the economic elite.