Former President Donald Trump recently expressed his views on the fate of Howard Stern’s SiriusXM show, suggesting it suffered a decline following the radio host’s endorsement of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump reflected on his past experiences with Stern, saying, “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.”
The remarks came as Trump addressed questions regarding Stern’s current standing and ongoing contract negotiations with SiriusXM. According to a report from Real America’s Voice, Stern’s departure from the network may be tied to salary disagreements as his five-year contract, reportedly valued at $500 million, approaches its end.
During the discussion, Trump claimed, “You know when he went down? When he endorsed Hillary Clinton. He lost his audience. People said, ‘Give me a break.’” The former president emphasized that Stern’s endorsement was a pivotal moment, asserting, “He went down when he endorsed Hillary Clinton.”
Stern’s future remains uncertain, although he recently made a surprise appearance on his show, assuring listeners he would return to his regular schedule on September 2, 2024. Reports suggest he may consider a short-term contract at the right price, but retirement is also a possibility. “We’ll be back on the air live. I’ve been refueling, so to speak,” Stern told his audience, leaving open the question of his next steps.
The relationship between Trump and Stern has seen significant changes over the years. Once friends who attended each other’s weddings, their rapport deteriorated following Stern’s endorsement of Clinton. In June 2022, Stern even mentioned a desire to run for the presidency if Trump were to secure the GOP nomination in 2024, declaring, “I’ll beat his ass.”
Stern has also engaged with prominent political figures, including a notable interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the Democratic presidential nominee in the upcoming election. Trump criticized Stern after the interview aired, accusing him of asking Harris “softball questions.” In a post on Truth Social, he stated, “BETA MALE Howard Stern made a fool of himself on his low rated radio show… 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.”
Stern’s political endorsements have drawn attention, including his assertion that he would support a wall before backing Trump. He questioned the close nature of the current election, expressing confusion over why Americans would prefer a “kind of chaos overseas.”
As the political landscape continues to evolve ahead of the November 5, 2024, general election, the dynamics between Trump, Stern, and the media remain complex and closely watched. With the upcoming election approaching, both figures appear to be navigating their respective roles in a highly charged political environment.
