MAGA Podcasters Reduce Mentions of Donald Trump

An analysis of nearly 70,000 hours of podcasts by The Wall Street Journal shows that conservative MAGA podcasters are mentioning Donald Trump significantly less often. Mentions have dropped nearly 70% from their 2024 peak, including a 30% decline since the United States launched a war against Iran in February 2026.

This shift in media coverage coincides with falling approval ratings for the president and widespread economic dissatisfaction, particularly regarding gas prices. While Trump has urged voters to "pretend I’m on the ballot" for the November midterms, conservative commentators have pivoted toward other subjects.

New focal points for these podcasters include attacks on Democratic Texas state legislator James Talarico, who is running against Attorney General Ken Paxton. Commentators have also focused on the murder trial of Lindsay Clancy in Massachusetts. The Clancy trial, which ended in a mistrial, has become a center for conservative debates regarding mental health responsibility and gender roles.