Former President Donald Trump has taken to social media to criticize Howard Stern for what he deemed a tepid interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. This clash stems from Stern's recent appearance on his SiriusXM show, where he refrained from asking tough questions, much to Trump's chagrin.
During the October 8 interview, which has since ignited controversy, Stern expressed enthusiasm for Harris, calling her compassionate and praising her experience as a prosecutor. Within the same breath, he indicated his intention to vote for her, saying, "I just don’t know how this election is even close," indicating his disapproval of Trump’s handling of several issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trump, who was once chummy with Stern, did not hold back his scornful remarks. He branded the veteran shock jock as 'BETA MALE' for his overly friendly and apparently unchallenging demeanor during the interview. This characterization was part of a broader post on his Truth Social platform, where he stated, "Howard Stern made a fool of himself on his low-rated radio show when he ‘interviewed’ Lyin’ Kamala Harris." According to Trump, the questioning was so soft it left Harris embarrassed, with Trump adding, "He looked like a real fool, working so hard to make a totally incompetent and ill-equipped person look as good as possible, which wasn’t very good at all."
The fallout from Stern’s interview was compounded when Trump stirred the pot during one of his campaign rallies on October 9, held in Reading, Pennsylvania. He addressed his supporters, echoing his previous sentiments about Stern being weak and highlighted the frivolity of the questions posed to Harris. "It was so ridiculous — even she was embarrassed,” he remarked, emphasizing the stark difference he perceives between strength and weakness, especially during election runs.
Stern's conversation with Harris also touched upon serious subjects, with the Vice President accusing Trump of having “a desire to be a dictator” by maintaining amicable relationships with controversial leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin. Harris also stressed the importance of addressing what she described as severe issues at stake within the current election climate.
Trump, echoing his previous sentiments, expressed disdain for what he sees as Stern's failure to challenge Harris effectively. Stern, now described by Trump as 'a broken weirdo' who 'went woke,' has seen his influence dwindle according to Trump’s harsh criticism. This transformation seems particularly hard for Trump to digest, considering once upon a time, he appeared regularly on Stern’s show, and they were once part of each other's social circles.
The interview stirred mixed reactions among audiences, with some backing Trump's perspective and others supporting Stern for his gentle approach. Interestingly, Stern had earlier shown disapproval of media portrayals of Harris, such as the satire she faces on shows like Saturday Night Live. "I hate it. I don’t want you to be made fun of,” he lamented, illustrating his protective stance toward her as she navigates the political arena.
Trump’s choice of words — describing Stern as weak and pathetic — has garnered attention across social media platforms, leading many observers to speculate about the decline of once-thriving friendships and alliances within the entertainment and political realms. While Stern may have tried to cultivate goodwill with Harris, Trump's critique highlights how diverging political affiliations can sour long-standing relationships.
Harris, on her side, did not shy away from discussing Trump during the Stern interview, calling attention to his controversial leadership style and the dangers she claims are inherent within his administration. This mutual squaring off — with Stern’s effusive praise for Harris juxtaposed against Trump’s harsh barbs — encapsulates the current tensions as the 2024 election fast approaches.
With less than 30 days until the election, both campaigns are focusing on grabbing headlines and securing voter loyalty. Trump’s harsh remarks serve not only to galvanize his base but also to reframe discussions surrounding Stern, who was once considered one of the leading shock jocks. Observers are left wondering whether Trump’s criticisms will resonate with voters or if they will only reinforce Stern's positioning as one of Harris's supporters.
