Joe Rogan, other podcast bros start to distance themselves from Trump
“I really really wish I never got into politics.”
Greetings!
Here are the latest trending internet culture stories today:
A few influential names in the “manosphere” are distancing themselves from Donald Trump’s administration, some gamers are furious about a canceled Assassin’s Creed video game featuring a Black man in a post-Civil War era, and a sweet story about a Redditor’s thrift store find with a backstory.
Enjoy your weekend!
— W.J.
⚡️ Today in Internet Culture
From Joe Rogan to Theo Von, pro-Trump creators who once helped his rise are now quietly backing away
The trend of Trump voters coming to regret their support has spread to Joe Rogan and other manosphere influencers with millions of fans. Some have cited broken promises by President Donald Trump, while others oppose his use of ICE to terrorize workers and their families.
The most popular of these influencers—Joe Rogan, who said in March that Trump gave him credit for his 2024 win—was one of the first to criticize ICE’s tactics and priorities under the new president. During that same month, he panned the detention of gay makeup artist Andry Hernández Romero in El Salvador, calling the situation “horrific.”
“Pathetic”: Ubisoft reportedly axed an Assassin’s Creed starring a former slave because it was “too political.” Gamers are pissed
Ubisoft has often explored some of the most turbulent moments in human history through its Assassin’s Creed series. However, a new report from Game File revealed that one of its most ambitious ideas was quietly canceled last year.
The proposed game would have taken place after the Civil War, when the United States was struggling to rebuild. Gamers would have played a freed Black man who moved west to start a new life before the Assassins recruited him. Eventually, he would return to the South to fight for justice.
“Making me emotional”: Thrifter finds decades-old notes left by previous owner in vintage purses
When Reddit user u/Reality_Rose bought a bundle of old purses at a vintage store, she expected a fun thrifting find. What she got was a heartfelt glimpse into someone’s life. Inside each bag, she discovered handwritten notes from the original owner, describing where the purse came from and who made it.
🕸️ Crawling the Web
🙄 Young TikTokers have been grabbing millions of views with an incredibly bleak “AI homeless man” prank as parents react with panicked texts, voice messages, and unanswered calls.
🥚 A text-based egg challenge has spread across TikTok and Instagram, delighting users with how differently people respond to a seemingly simple request.
☀️ One comedian says she’s the one who coined the viral phrase “girlbossed too close to the sun”…and now she’s hearing it in a Taylor Swift song.
📷 Amy Schumer posted a single photo to Instagram, and suddenly her legs have their own fan club.
🎂 A teacher’s rendition of “Happy Birthday” has one mother up in arms, and the internet torn.
✈️ WestJet will start charging extra for the privilege of reclining your seat.
🔥 Hot on the Dot
This was the most-read story on the Daily Dot yesterday:
➤ “I served this country”: Zach Bryan fires back after Kristi Noem slams his “anti-ICE” song