Podcasts
Gavin Newsom Fires Back at Joe Rogan, Dares Him to Debate: “Let’s Do It, Joe”
In a fiery exchange that’s lighting up both the political and podcasting worlds, California Governor Gavin Newsom has officially challenged Joe Rogan to host him on The Joe Rogan Experience after years of criticism from the influential podcaster.
Appearing on the Higher Learning podcast with Rachel Lindsay and Van Lathan, Newsom didn’t hold back, accusing Rogan of taking repeated jabs without offering him a platform to respond. “He’s been attacking me for years and won’t have me on the show,” Newsom said. “Joe, why won’t you have me on the show? It’s one way. He has guests coming on, bashing me, but he won’t have me on. Period. Full stop.”
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The remarks come after Joe Rogan, on a recent episode of his show, blasted Newsom as a “bulls*** artist” and “terrible politician,” adding that the governor “wants to be president so bad.” Joe Rogan has frequently mocked Newsom’s leadership in California, claiming the state’s problems — from homelessness to high taxes — have worsened under his watch.
“You can’t ruin a city and then go on to ruin a state and say, ‘That was just practice. Once I get in as president, I’ll fix it all,” Joe Rogan quipped during his viral rant.
California Governor Gavin Newsom
“I’m Punching Back” — Newsom’s Counterattack
Gavin Newsom, who’s often rumored to be positioning himself for a 2028 presidential run, turned the tables with a bold challenge: “Let’s have it. Let’s do it, Joe. Come on my show,” referring to his own podcast, This Is Gavin Newsom.
Doubling down, Gavin Newsom added, “I’m not afraid to go — I’m punching Joe Rogan. That son of a b***h isn’t used to that.” The governor’s expletive-laden counterattack marked one of his most direct responses yet to his media critics, signaling he’s ready to confront detractors head-on.
The Joe Rogan Experience Podcast
Following the Higher Learning appearance, Newsom also took to X (formerly Twitter), posting: “Joe Rogan is too [chicken emoji] to have me on his show and expose his listeners to the truth… Invite me on anytime, @joerogan :).”
The tweet included a list of Newsom’s claimed achievements in California — from job growth to clean energy expansion — directly contradicting Rogan’s criticisms.
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Political Drama Meets Pop Culture
The clash between one of America’s most visible governors and the world’s most popular podcaster has turned into an unexpected media event, blurring the lines between politics and entertainment. Joe Rogan, who reaches millions weekly through The Joe Rogan Experience, wields enormous cultural influence, while Newsom’s confident media presence has long made him a Democratic Party power player.
Whether Joe Rogan will take up the challenge remains to be seen. But if the debate does happen, it could become one of the most-watched — and unfiltered — political showdowns in recent memory.
