President Donald Trump recently stated that Howard Stern’s SiriusXM show experienced a decline in popularity after the radio host endorsed Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election. Trump’s comments came during a press briefing in the Oval Office, where he expressed surprise at the reported uncertainty surrounding Stern’s career.
Trump remarked on Stern’s long-standing absence from his radar, 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.” He then questioned whether Stern had been “terminated” from his show. The discussion was initiated by Brian Glenn, a correspondent for Real America’s Voice, who mentioned that Stern and SiriusXM were reportedly parting ways over salary disputes.
Trump emphasized that Stern’s endorsement of Clinton was detrimental to his audience, stating, “You know when he went down? When he endorsed Hillary Clinton. He lost his audience. People said, ‘Give me a break.’” The 79-year-old former president’s comments reflect the ongoing tensions between him and Stern, who were once friends.
As Stern’s five-year, $500 million contract with SiriusXM approaches its conclusion, the future of his show remains uncertain. Reports suggest that Stern may be open to a short-term contract at the right price but is also contemplating retirement. On September 2, 2024, Stern announced he would return to his regular schedule, though he did not clarify his plans beyond that date. “We’ll be back on the air live. I’ve been refueling, so to speak,” he assured his listeners.
Stern’s show, which resumed in 2006, was renewed by SiriusXM in 2020 and at its peak attracted 20 million daily listeners. The relationship between Trump and Stern deteriorated following Stern’s endorsement of Clinton, with Trump criticizing the radio host’s style during interviews. In June 2022, Stern indicated a desire to run for president if Trump were the GOP nominee for the 2024 election, declaring, “I’ll beat his ass.”
During the lead-up to the general election on November 5, 2024, Stern secured an interview with then-Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. Following this appearance, Trump expressed frustration, claiming Stern had asked Harris only “softball questions.” On his platform, Truth Social, Trump criticized Stern, saying, “BETA MALE Howard Stern made a fool of himself on his low rated radio show when he ‘interviewed’ Lyin’ Kamala Harris.”
Stern’s endorsement of Harris and his comments about the upcoming election further highlighted the rift between the two former friends. He expressed disbelief over the election’s competitiveness, stating, “I don’t even understand how this election is close. Why do my fellow Americans want this kind of chaos overseas?”
As both figures navigate their respective paths, the fallout from their past friendship continues to spark discussions in the media and among their audiences.
