Trump Claims Howard Stern’s Show Declined After Clinton Endorsement
President Donald Trump recently suggested that Howard Stern’s long-running SiriusXM show suffered a decline in popularity following the radio host’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election. While speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump expressed surprise at the reported turmoil surrounding Stern and his show, stating, “What happened? He got terminated?”
Trump’s comments came after Brian Glenn, a correspondent for Real America’s Voice, suggested that Stern and SiriusXM might part ways due to salary disagreements. The former President maintained that Stern “lost his audience” after supporting Clinton, asserting, “He went down when he endorsed Hillary Clinton.”
Stern’s future with SiriusXM remains uncertain as he approaches the end of his five-year, $500 million contract. Reports indicate that while Stern is open to a short-term contract at the right price, he is also contemplating retirement. On September 2, Stern announced he would return to his regular broadcasting schedule after a brief hiatus, stating, “I’ve been refueling, so to speak.”
End of an Era for the Shock Jock
Stern’s current show, which resumed in 2006, was renewed by SiriusXM in 2020. At its peak, the program attracted as many as 20 million daily listeners. Despite his past friendship with Trump, which included attending each other’s weddings, their relationship soured following Stern’s political shift. In June 2022, Stern expressed interest in running for president if Trump secured the GOP nomination for the 2024 election, remarking, “I’ll beat his ass.”
As the United States approaches the presidential election on November 5, 2024, Stern has continued to engage in political discourse. Notably, he conducted an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, a rare opportunity for a media personality. Following the airing of the interview, Trump criticized Stern on his social media platform, Truth Social, referring to him as a “BETA MALE” and accusing him of asking “softball questions” to Harris.
Stern, in turn, has made clear his support for Harris and positioned himself as a critic of Trump’s politics. During his conversation with Harris, he stated, “I don’t even understand how this election is close. Why do my fellow Americans want this kind of chaos overseas?”
The ongoing dynamics between these prominent figures illustrate the intersection of entertainment and politics, a theme that continues to resonate in the current media landscape. With the 2024 election on the horizon, the relationship between Trump and Stern is likely to remain a point of interest for both fans and political observers alike.
