Raging Moderates: Why the Manosphere Is Breaking up With Trump
Timestamps are as accurate as they can be but may be slightly off. We encourage you to listen to the full context.
Podcast Summary
In this episode of Raging Moderates, hosts Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov examine Trump's controversial deployment of National Guard troops to liberal cities, which faces significant legal challenges. (03:36) They analyze the potential for a Gaza ceasefire deal, with negotiations underway in Egypt and Trump issuing ultimatums to Hamas. The discussion also covers growing tensions within the manosphere, as influencers like Aiden Ross and Theo Vaughn express regret over their political support for Trump during the 2024 election.
•Main themes include constitutional overreach in immigration enforcement, Middle East peace negotiations, and the evolving political influence of podcast culture in American politics.
Speakers
Scott Galloway
Scott Galloway is a NYU Stern School of Business professor, serial entrepreneur, and bestselling author. He founded several companies including Prophet, Red Envelope, and L2, and is known for his sharp analysis of big tech, business strategy, and economic trends through his popular podcasts and books.
Jessica Tarlov
Jessica Tarlov is a political strategist, Fox News contributor, and co-host of The Five. She holds a PhD in Political Science from the London School of Economics and previously worked as a Democratic strategist and senior research director at Bustle Digital Group.
Key Takeaways
Immigration Enforcement Creates Constitutional Crisis
Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Democratic cities represents a dangerous precedent of federal overreach. (03:40) Galloway and Tarlov discuss how federal judges are blocking these deployments as "patently unlawful" and "untethered to the facts." The hosts emphasize that these raids are targeting people who are deeply integrated into American communities - with tax records, bank accounts, and Social Security numbers - rather than recent border crossers. This misallocation of resources diverts law enforcement from serious crimes like drug smuggling and organized crime toward what amounts to political theater.
The Manosphere's Political Awakening
Influential podcasters who helped deliver Trump's victory are experiencing buyer's remorse and publicly distancing themselves from his policies. (39:18) Figures like Aiden Ross, Andrew Schultz, and Theo Vaughn are admitting regret over their political involvement, with Vaughn specifically concerned about immigration policies affecting his Nicaraguan immigrant father. This represents a significant shift since these creators collectively have more influence over young male voters than traditional media outlets combined. Their platforms were instrumental in Trump's electoral success, particularly among men under 30 who swung hardest toward Republicans between 2020 and 2024.
Democrats Must Embrace Podcast Culture
The Democratic Party needs to fundamentally restructure their media strategy around podcasts rather than traditional outlets. (44:30) Galloway argues that podcasters like Joe Rogan have more influence than all major cable news networks combined, noting that Trump's three-hour Rogan appearance was equivalent to two weeks of prime-time coverage. Democratic leaders and potential presidential candidates should establish a presence in Austin, Texas, where many influential podcasters are based. The party must learn to work with "imperfect allies" rather than demanding complete ideological alignment, as their current approach alienates potential supporters who might agree on 70% of issues.
Gaza Conflict Threatens Long-term Jewish Security
Every day the Gaza war continues erodes Israel's moral standing and creates existential risks for Jewish communities globally. (33:55) Galloway points out that American support for Israel's war effort has declined dramatically, with 40% now believing Israel is going too far, up from 27% at the war's beginning. With only 16 million Jews worldwide compared to 1.1 billion Muslims, maintaining moral authority is crucial for Jewish survival. The conflict has already lost an entire generation of American support, with Gen Z showing little affection for Israel and Democratic candidates increasingly running on anti-AIPAC platforms.
Business Leaders Struggle in Political Roles
Trump's background as a licensing-focused businessman rather than an operational leader undermines his ability to manage complex diplomatic situations. (28:39) Galloway explains that business people often fail in government because they're accustomed to rational actors motivated by profit, while politics involves ideology, elections, and optics. Trump's business model was primarily about fame-to-licensing deals rather than actual operations, which typically ended in unpaid contractors and bankruptcies. This operational inexperience is particularly problematic for peace negotiations that require patience, detailed diplomatic work, and coordination among thousands of State Department personnel.
Statistics & Facts
- American support for Israel's war effort has declined significantly, with 40% now believing Israel is going too far compared to 27% at the beginning of the war - a 50% increase in opposition. (31:55)
- There are currently 16 million Jews worldwide compared to 1.1 billion Muslims, highlighting the demographic challenges facing Jewish communities globally. (33:27)
- Young men under 30 were one of the demographic groups that swung hardest from Democratic to Republican between the 2020 and 2024 elections, largely influenced by manosphere podcast content. (43:13)
