The NPR Politics Podcast: "Some 'Manosphere' Podcasters Who Backed Trump Are Turning From Him"

Release Date: August 5, 2025
Hosts: Ashley Lopez, Elena Moore, Domenico Montanaro

Introduction to the Manosphere and Its Influence

In this episode, Ashley Lopez, Elena Moore, and Domenico Montanaro delve into the intricate relationship between the manosphere—a collective of media content aimed primarily at younger men—and former President Donald Trump. The manosphere, characterized by its blend of comedy, talk shows, and long-form conversations, has played a significant role in shaping political sentiments among its predominantly young and male audience.

Elena Moore explains the nature of these podcasts:

"These aren't like political shows. These are most commonly seen as comedy shows, talk shows... long-form multi-hour conversations where people kind of just chill and talk about whatever is on their mind." ([02:00])

Domenico Montanaro adds insight into the political influence of these apolitical platforms:

"They had a considerable influence, even though they're mostly nonpartisan shows... The Trump campaign recognized their broad appeal to a certain demographic, especially young men... Democrats largely ignored it to their peril." ([04:17])

Audience Demographics and Political Segmentation

The hosts discuss audience metrics, highlighting that the listeners of these podcasts are ideologically split—approximately one-third independent, one-third Republican, and one-third Democrat. Despite the Republican tilt, the audience is not exclusively MAGA supporters. Instead, it consists of younger men who feel disenfranchised by traditional political parties.

Elena Moore emphasizes the audience's unique position:

"They have really different political backgrounds, and they're all kind of coalescing in this one community." ([04:04])

Trump's Engagement with the Manosphere

During the 2024 election, Trump's strategy involved appearing on these manosphere podcasts to tap into their influence and win over new voters. The hosts note that Trump's alignment with the manosphere was part of recognizing and leveraging the anti-establishment sentiments prevalent among the audience.

Domenico Montanaro discusses Trump's campaign strategy:

"The Trump campaign felt like they could mine the way they felt about what the lifestyles were, what the freedoms were that these young men wanted out of life and what the culture should be." ([06:37])

Shifting Allegiances: Podcasters Turning Away from Trump

Post-election, some podcasters who previously supported Trump are expressing disappointment with his administration. Their frustrations stem from unmet promises and perceived inaction on issues like the Jeffrey Epstein case and immigration policies.

Elena Moore observes the change in sentiment:

"They're expressing that disappointment in the Trump administration after rallying behind them." ([11:01])

Domenico Montanaro highlights the underlying causes:

"People are cynical because you had all this hope for change, and then you realize, like, oh, the same people that are pulling the strings are still pulling the strings." ([12:18])

Impact on the Republican Party and Future Elections

The disillusionment among manosphere podcasters poses potential challenges for the Republican Party, especially in engaging young male voters who already exhibit lower voting propensities. The hosts speculate that this shift could affect Republican enthusiasm and voter turnout in upcoming elections.

Domenico Montanaro warns of future implications:

"Getting them out in a midterm election, when your guy isn't on the ballot and you're already sort of having lukewarm feelings about that guy, that spells some real potential problems for the Republican Party in 2026." ([14:10])

Democratic Response and Rethinking Strategy

Recognizing the influence of the manosphere, some Democrats are beginning to engage with these platforms to counteract Republican efforts and appeal to younger, disaffected voters. High-profile Democrats like Pete Buttigieg have appeared on manosphere podcasts to present their viewpoints and connect with the audience on shared concerns.

Elena Moore cites an example of Democratic engagement:

"Former Transportation Secretary, Democrat Pete Buttigieg, went on Andrew Schultz's flagrant and... explained why government funding is important." ([08:08])

Conclusion: The Evolving Political Landscape

The episode concludes with a reflection on the evolving dynamics between political parties and the manosphere. As former Trump supporters within this community begin to distance themselves, both Republicans and Democrats must adapt their strategies to engage effectively with this influential yet volatile demographic.

Ashley Lopez summarizes the situation:

"We're going to take a quick break. More in a moment." ([09:23])

While this statement is part of the podcast's transitional dialogue, it underscores the ongoing nature of the discussion and the need for continuous analysis of these shifting political allegiances.

Key Takeaways

• Manosphere Definition: A collection of predominantly male, young audiences engaging with apolitical but influential podcasts that occasionally intersect with political discourse.

• Political Influence: Despite their nonpartisan nature, these podcasts significantly impact political sentiments, especially among young men who feel disenfranchised.

• Shifting Support: Some podcasters previously backing Trump are now critical of his administration, citing unmet promises and ongoing systemic issues.

• Implications for GOP: Disillusionment within the manosphere may challenge Republican efforts to mobilize young male voters in future elections.

• Democratic Strategy Shift: Democrats are beginning to recognize the importance of engaging with manosphere platforms to reach and appeal to a broader, younger audience.

Notable Quotes:

• Elena Moore ([02:00]): "These aren't like political shows. These are most commonly seen as comedy shows, talk shows... long-form multi-hour conversations where people kind of just chill and talk about whatever is on their mind."

• Domenico Montanaro ([04:17]): "They had a considerable influence, even though they're mostly nonpartisan shows... The Trump campaign recognized their broad appeal to a certain demographic, especially young men... Democrats largely ignored it to their peril."

• Domenico Montanaro ([06:37]): "The Trump campaign felt like they could mine the way they felt about what the lifestyles were, what the freedoms were that these young men wanted out of life and what the culture should be."

• Elena Moore ([11:01]): "They're expressing that disappointment in the Trump administration after rallying behind them."

• Domenico Montanaro ([12:18]): "People are cynical because you had all this hope for change, and then you realize, like, oh, the same people that are pulling the strings are still pulling the strings."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the NPR Politics Podcast episode, providing insights into the influence of the manosphere, shifting political allegiances, and the broader implications for future elections.