Growing list of ex-supporters accuse Trump of hypocrisy, betrayal

Once key figures in amplifying Donald Trump’s message, several high-profile celebrities, politicians, and influencers are now distancing themselves from the president, openly criticizing his policies and leadership style. What was once a coalition of vocal supporters is fracturing, with some accusing Trump of betraying the very promises that earned their support in the first place.

Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan, whose endorsement in October 2024 was considered a major win for Trump’s outreach to young male voters, has now turned critical. While his Joe Rogan Experience interview helped humanize Trump to millions, Rogan recently slammed Trump’s immigration crackdown as “insane” and condemned ICE raids as “horrific.”

Rogan has also questioned the administration’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, calling the Justice Department’s narrative “insulting our intelligence.” Citing a CNN poll showing 65 percent of young men distrust the official Epstein conclusions, Rogan has increasingly invited Democrats onto his show, signaling a deliberate shift away from MAGA politics.

Andrew Schulz

Comedian Andrew Schulz, once a reliable pro-Trump voice, has been blunt in his criticism. “He’s doing the exact opposite of everything I voted for,” Schulz said, citing the USD 5 trillion tax and spending package and escalating military actions in Iran.

Once praising Trump as a businessman who would avoid wars, Schulz now flirts with democratic socialist ideas, saying Bernie Sanders may be closer to “America First” principles than Trump. His recent sit-down with Pete Buttigieg further signaled his political shift.

Theo Von

Theo Von, who once proudly interviewed Trump and attended his inauguration, has expressed regret over Trump’s foreign policy. Condemning Trump’s Iran bombings as a “horrible idea,” Von argued it made the US look like it’s “working for Israel.”

Von has been diversifying his platform, hosting progressive voices like Ro Khanna, signaling an ideological break. At a Detroit comedy show, even fans echoed his frustration, saying Trump’s broken promises on foreign policy and economic stability were a dealbreaker.

Elon Musk

Elon Musk, once a megadonor who poured USD 270 million into Trump’s campaign through America PAC, is now one of Trump’s loudest critics. As head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), Musk initially supported Trump’s push to slash spending, but called the president’s massive spending bill a “disgusting abomination."

Their feud escalated when Musk accused Trump of being linked to Epstein’s client list. Trump retaliated by threatening to withdraw subsidies from Musk’s companies, prompting Musk to announce that he might fund a third political party, stating, “A new political party is needed in America to represent the 80 percent in the middle."

Candace Owens

Candace Owens, once a MAGA supporter, is also stepping back. Criticizing Trump’s support for 'Israel’s' bombing of Iran and accusing his administration of covering up the Epstein client list, Owens declared on X that she’s no longer a “Trumper.” While still conservative, her rhetoric suggests she’s positioning herself outside of Trump’s orbit.

Omarosa Manigault Newman

Omarosa Manigault Newman’s break is not new but continues to intensify. Once a trusted Trump aide, she is now one of his most vocal critics, calling him a “racist” and accusing him of undermining democracy. Her 2018 book Unhinged painted a damning portrait, and in 2024 she reiterated her regret for ever supporting him.

Nicky Jam

Reggaeton star Nicky Jam’s support was short-lived. After endorsing Trump at a Las Vegas rally in 2024, he retracted his endorsement weeks later when comedian Tony Hinchcliffe mocked Puerto Rico at a Trump event, calling it a “floating island of garbage.” Jam fired back on Instagram, saying, “Puerto Rico deserves respect,” and cut ties with Trump entirely.

- A fractured base -

These shifts reflect a growing disillusionment among former Trump supporters, many of whom accuse him of hypocrisy, broken promises, and prioritizing foreign interests over American ones. What was once a unified front of influencers and celebrities is now splintering, raising questions about whether Trump can maintain the same cultural influence heading into future elections.