On the December 25, 2025 episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, host Joe Rogan and comedian Shane Gillis discussed the rapid rise of far-right streamer Nick Fuentes, highlighting his sharp debating skills and growing appeal among young, disaffected men. Rogan praised Fuentes’ high verbal IQ, trolling style, and shitposting, noting how he represents a segment of society feeling unrepresented. They specifically referenced Fuentes’ recent heated interview with Piers Morgan, where Rogan described it as “an expert sparring with someone who thought they were an expert,” with the two “playing totally different games.” Gillis agreed, adding that Fuentes remains “still funny as f***,” which makes him particularly dangerous in gaining traction despite his extreme views.

Rogan and Gillis marveled at how someone like Fuentes, who promotes controversial stances including misogyny and white nationalist ideas, has become super popular in today’s online ecosystem. They reflected on the cultural shift, implying that 20 years ago, a figure with such overt provocations couldn’t have built a massive platform due to stricter gatekeeping on mainstream media and social norms. Fuentes emerged politically during Donald Trump’s first presidency, facing repeated deplatforming and cancellation for his rhetoric, yet he has thrived in alternative spaces, attracting millions of followers through livestreams and memes.

The conversation touched on broader implications, pondering what the political and cultural landscape might look like in another 20 years if this trend continues. Meanwhile, Fuentes’ antisemitic remarks—including Holocaust minimization and conspiracy theories about Jewish influence—have barred him from mainstream conservative acceptance, with critics noting that overt antisemitism from the right rarely advances far in US politics, unlike occasional tolerance for certain left-leaning figures accused of similar biases. Rogan and Gillis’ casual admiration underscored the normalizing effect of irony and humor in far-right discourse.