In his upcoming documentary MAGA: The Next Generation, Daily Show co-host Jordan Klepper explores the motivations of young male Trump supporters. Contrary to his expectations, Klepper found that many MAGA youth are more focused on the excitement surrounding President Donald Trump than on political issues.
Klepper admitted to Variety, “I had such a cynical perspective of the youth walking into this thing,” he explained. “I expected to be confronted by a bunch of [expletive]-22-year-olds who want to rail on trans people in sports and kick out all the immigrants. But the cruelty wasn’t there.”
Klepper described his interactions as “pretty kind,” observing that many were drawn to the “celebrity” aspect of Trump rather than specific policies.
He further commented on the influence of social media, stating, “[T]he algorithms on these social media sites lean toward the aggressive and the hyperbolic, and it’s shaping the conversation.” This observation highlights the role of online platforms in shaping political discourse among the youth.
Klepper believes that the “MAGA movement” could lose momentum once it lacks the “attention and fame” associated with Trump. He suggests that without the spotlight, the movement’s appeal may diminish among younger supporters.
Meanwhile, The Daily Show faces its own challenges. Paramount, its parent company, is embroiled in a $20 billion lawsuit filed by President Trump, alleging election interference during a “60 Minutes” interview with Kamala Harris. The lawsuit has led to significant internal changes, including the resignation of longtime “60 Minutes” producer Bill Owens.
