A Clash Of Two Era: Trump Slams Former Ally Howard Stern for ‘Going Woke’
Former President Donald Trump is no stranger to controversies, and his most recent target is none other than Howard Stern, the shock jock turned talk show icon. Once friends and mutual admirers, Trump has now taken aim at Stern for what he describes as the radio host’s shift toward “woke” culture. In a recent interview, Trump expressed disappointment in Stern, claiming that the longtime provocateur has become a shadow of his former self, embracing progressive values and turning his back on the raw, irreverent style that once defined his career.
This development highlights the growing divide between Trump and Stern, whose relationship stretches back decades to a time when Stern was a champion of politically incorrect humor, and Trump was a frequent guest on his show. But as the political and cultural landscape has shifted dramatically, so too have their paths. Stern has publicly criticized Trump in recent years, and now the former president is hitting back, accusing his former ally of abandoning his roots in favor of a politically correct, “woke” ideology.
Trump and Stern’s Long History
The relationship between Trump and Stern goes back to the 1990s, a time when Trump was best known as a flamboyant New York businessman and celebrity rather than a politician. Trump frequently appeared on Stern’s radio show, where the two would engage in candid and often controversial conversations. Their exchanges, which ranged from Trump’s business ventures to more personal topics, were part of what made Stern’s show infamous for its no-holds-barred, uncensored content.
Stern, known for pushing the boundaries of good taste, found a willing participant in Trump, who enjoyed the limelight and wasn’t afraid to speak his mind. Over the years, Stern’s show became one of Trump’s favorite platforms to share his opinions and promote his brand, with Stern offering him a level of visibility that few others could at the time. In return, Stern relished the opportunity to interview Trump, one of the most polarizing and intriguing figures of the time.
Their relationship appeared to be one of mutual benefit—Stern got the shock value that kept his ratings high, and Trump got the platform to showcase his larger-than-life persona. The two men shared a certain bravado and disregard for political correctness, traits that endeared them to their respective audiences.
The Shift in Stern’s Views
However, as Trump made his foray into politics and eventually became president in 2016, the dynamic between the two began to shift. Stern, who had once seemed to relish Trump’s unapologetic style, started to distance himself from the former president. In the years since, Stern has been openly critical of Trump, particularly in regard to his handling of the presidency and his divisive rhetoric.
In interviews and on his radio show, Stern has expressed regret for ever supporting Trump and has taken to calling him out on issues such as the COVID-19 pandemic, his stance on immigration, and the way Trump has handled racial tensions in America. In a notable shift, Stern, who once thrived on controversy, has evolved into a more mainstream figure, addressing social justice issues and supporting progressive causes. He’s been vocal about his disdain for Trump’s presidency and has even endorsed more liberal candidates, much to the surprise of his longtime listeners.
Stern’s evolution has come with a shift in his audience as well. While he still maintains a large following, some of his original fans have been critical of what they see as his turn toward the political left and his abandonment of the edgy humor that made him famous. For these fans, Stern’s focus on social issues and his criticism of Trump feel out of step with the persona they once loved.
Trump’s Criticism: ‘He’s Changed’
Trump, for his part, has not taken Stern’s criticism lightly. In a recent interview, Trump lashed out at Stern, accusing him of having “changed” and of going “woke.” Trump suggested that Stern’s transformation is not genuine, but rather a calculated move to stay relevant in an era where political correctness dominates mainstream media. Trump remarked, “Howard used to be a great guy. He was real, he was edgy. Now, he’s like everyone else—he’s gone woke.”
The term “woke,” used derisively by Trump and others on the political right, refers to individuals who are socially aware and advocate for progressive causes, particularly in areas like racial and gender equality. For Trump, Stern’s newfound embrace of these issues is a betrayal of the shock jock’s former persona, which thrived on offending sensibilities and defying social norms.
Trump’s criticism of Stern is part of a larger pattern in which he has distanced himself from former allies who have either criticized him or adopted positions that clash with his own political ideology. Over the years, Trump has publicly broken with several figures who were once part of his inner circle, accusing them of disloyalty or pandering to the liberal establishment. Stern is just the latest to fall out of favor with the former president.
The Changing Media Landscape
The feud between Trump and Stern also speaks to a broader shift in the media landscape. In the past decade, the rise of social justice movements and increased focus on issues like racial equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and women’s rights have reshaped public discourse. Media figures who once thrived on controversy and politically incorrect humor, like Stern, have had to adapt to the changing times or risk becoming irrelevant.
Stern, who has always been adept at reading the cultural zeitgeist, appears to have made a conscious decision to pivot toward a more socially conscious approach. This shift has allowed him to maintain his relevance in an era where audiences are increasingly demanding accountability from public figures. However, this evolution has not come without backlash from those who see Stern’s transformation as a betrayal of the irreverence that once defined him.
On the other hand, Trump has remained steadfast in his opposition to political correctness and progressive causes, using his platform to appeal to those who feel alienated by the current cultural climate. For Trump, Stern’s shift represents a capitulation to the very forces he has spent his political career fighting against.
A Clash of Two Eras
The fallout between Trump and Stern ultimately reflects a clash of two eras—one in which politically incorrect humor and shock value reigned supreme, and another in which social consciousness and accountability have become paramount. Stern’s journey from shock jock to socially aware commentator mirrors the broader cultural shifts in the media, where figures who once thrived on controversy are now navigating a landscape that demands more sensitivity to social issues.
Trump’s criticism of Stern for “going woke” taps into the frustrations of those who feel that the media and entertainment industries have moved too far left, abandoning the freewheeling, no-holds-barred style that once defined them. Whether Stern’s evolution represents genuine personal growth or a pragmatic response to the changing times is up for debate, but what is clear is that the divide between him and Trump is emblematic of the broader cultural divide that defines America today.
As Trump and Stern continue on their divergent paths, their feud serves as a reminder of how much the world has changed—and how those changes are reshaping relationships, even among former allies.