Trump Stirs Controversy as Stern Cancellation Claims Rise

The Rumor Mill and the Tensions Between Trump and Howard Stern

The recent speculation surrounding Howard Stern’s future with SiriusXM has sparked a wave of media attention, especially after a report claimed that the popular radio host might not return to his show. This rumor came from an anonymous source, leaving both Stern and SiriusXM without official comments. However, Stern addressed his audience directly, stating, “We will be back, very soon. We’ll be back on the air, live. I’ve been refueling, so to speak.”

During a press event, Donald Trump was asked about the report, which he seemed to take as fact. He questioned whether the “Hate Trump” business model in the entertainment industry was losing its relevance. In response, Trump made a pointed remark about Stern, saying, “Uh Howard Stern... it’s a name I haven’t heard... I used to do his show, used to have fun, but I haven’t heard that name in a long time. What happened? He got terminated?”

The reporter suggested that the split might be due to salary issues, but Trump countered by referencing when Stern’s popularity declined. “You know when he went down?” he asked. “Before... when he endorsed Hillary Clinton, he lost his audience. People said, ‘Give me a break.’ He went down when he endorsed Hillary Clinton.”

This claim was quickly debunked by CNN Media Analyst Brian Stelter, who noted on X: “Nothing’s been ‘announced.’ This is a vivid display of how MAGA media literally misinforms the president.” The relationship between Trump and Stern has had its ups and downs, with Stern once calling Trump one of his “best guests ever.”

In 2019, Stern shared insights into their past interactions, telling ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos, “whenever you put him on the air, and this was before he was running for president, he was an open book, he would say anything. This is why he was so great, there was no filter.” He also claimed that he helped Trump become president, even though he did not vote for him.

Stern explained that their relationship soured after he declined Trump’s invitation to speak at a Republican convention because he supported Clinton’s campaign. “It’s a weird relationship I have with Donald,” Stern said. “Donald was at my wedding, I remember having very warm feelings towards Donald, he was always very nice to me. I’ve had dinner at Mar-a-Lago many times.”

Trump had previously criticized Stern after a Kamala Harris interview on his show, calling him a “BETA MALE” and accusing him of making a fool of himself. In September 2023, Trump commented on Stern’s declining ratings, saying, “Since he’s gone woke, his ratings have gone down the tubes.”

Beyond his remarks about Stern, Trump also targeted other late-night hosts during the same event. He criticized Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, and Jimmy Kimmel, claiming they lacked talent and suggesting that anyone could perform better than them. “I could go outside in the beautiful streets and pick a couple of people that do just as well or better,” he said.

These comments reflect the ongoing tensions and public scrutiny surrounding high-profile figures in the media landscape. As the rumors about Stern’s contract continue to circulate, the dynamics between these influential personalities remain under close watch.