President Donald Trump recently suggested that the decline in Howard Stern’s SiriusXM show was a direct result of the radio host’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump expressed surprise at Stern’s current situation, stating, “Howard Stern is a name I haven’t heard – I used to do his show, we used to have fun – but I haven’t heard that name in a long time.”
During the interaction with reporters, Trump inquired about the status of Stern, who has been a prominent figure in radio for decades. He questioned whether Stern had been “terminated,” reflecting on the shock jock’s declining visibility. The topic arose when Brian Glenn, a correspondent for Real America’s Voice, mentioned that Stern and SiriusXM might part ways due to salary disputes.
Trump asserted, “You know when he went down? When he endorsed Hillary Clinton. He lost his audience. People said, ‘Give me a break.’” This marked a notable moment as Trump emphasized the impact of the endorsement on Stern’s popularity.
As Stern’s five-year, $500 million contract with SiriusXM approaches its conclusion, uncertainty looms over his future in broadcasting. Reports suggest that he may be open to a short-term contract if the terms are favorable but is also contemplating retirement. Stern recently teased his return to live broadcasting on September 2, 2024, stating, “We’ll be back on the air live. I’ve been refueling, so to speak.”
The evolution of Stern’s show, which began its current iteration in 2006 and was renewed by SiriusXM in 2020, reached its peak with an impressive audience of 20 million daily listeners. However, his relationship with Trump, who has appeared on the show multiple times and even attended each other’s weddings, soured after Stern’s Clinton endorsement.
In a twist of political commentary, Stern expressed interest in running for president himself if Trump secured the Republican nomination in 2024, stating, “I’ll beat his ass.” This statement underscores the ongoing tension between the two figures as the upcoming general election on November 5, 2024 approaches.
Stern’s media presence remains influential, as evidenced by his recent interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. Trump criticized the interview, labeling it a “softball” session and claiming that Stern “looked like a real fool” for trying to present Harris positively.
Stern’s political commentary has continued to resonate with his audience, as he recently stated he would “vote for a wall before Trump,” expressing confusion over the close nature of the election. “I don’t even understand how this election is close,” Stern remarked, hinting at his dismay regarding the current political landscape.
As the political climate heats up, the future of both Stern and Trump remains intertwined, with each navigating their respective paths amid shifting audience dynamics and public sentiment.