The Unseen Influencers in U.S. Elections
Every U.S. election brings a variety of influential figures backing different candidates. Kamala Harris enjoyed celebrity support from names like Beyoncé and Bruce Springsteen. Meanwhile, Donald Trump had unique backers, such as Hulk Hogan and former Democrats like Joe Rogan, Tulsi Gabbard (now his intelligence director), Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (head of the federal health agency), and Elon Musk, co-leader of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency.
The Intellectual Dark Web: A Rising Phenomenon
These individuals aren’t just known for switching political sides—they belong to the intellectual dark web, an online movement born in the mid-2010s. This group played a significant role in shaping the cultural and political landscape, leading some to believe it influenced the election outcome.
What Is the Intellectual Dark Web?
The intellectual dark web became widely recognized during Trump’s first presidency. A 2018 New York Times article described it as “a group of independent thinkers, academic rebels, and media personalities having raw and thought-provoking conversations on platforms like podcasts, YouTube, and in live events.”
Many members of this group, like Joe Rogan, built massive online audiences. Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, attracts tens of millions of listeners, offering unfiltered, long-form discussions far removed from polished mainstream media interviews.
Key Figures in the Intellectual Dark Web
- Joe Rogan: A podcast pioneer hosting academics, politicians, and thinkers.
- Jordan Peterson: Psychologist and author of 12 Rules for Life.
- Sam Harris: Neuroscientist and Hillary Clinton voter.
- Eric Weinstein: Former managing director of Peter Thiel’s firm.
Other notable participants include Elon Musk, Tulsi Gabbard, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who have all appeared on Rogan’s podcast and discussed concerns that resonate with millions.
Why Does It Matter?
The intellectual dark web challenges “woke” ideologies and postmodernist ideas that claim there’s no objective truth, only power dynamics. Members argue that free speech, reason, and evidence are essential for uncovering the truth, contrasting with the identity-driven politics dominating mainstream discourse.
Hot Topics: From Cancel Culture to Gender Debates
The group critiques modern social movements like “cancel culture” and “woke” ideologies. They argue these movements undermine traditional values like merit and truth. Discussions on topics like gender, biological differences, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies frequently arise, with members opposing the belief that language shapes reality.
A Cultural Shift in Media
The rise of podcasts gave these thinkers a platform to bypass traditional media gatekeepers. Before the recent election, podcast episodes featuring Trump, JD Vance, and Musk garnered 80 million views on YouTube. Meanwhile, legacy media like CNN and MSNBC saw a significant drop in viewership.
The Intellectual Dark Web and Identity Politics
The group opposes identity politics, which they see as emphasizing superficial equality over true merit. Critics, like Peterson, argue that this approach devalues competence. For example, policies promoting diversity often prioritize identity over qualifications, sparking heated debates.
Where Do We Go From Here?
While many factors contributed to Trump’s win, his alignment with intellectual dark web ideals—like skepticism of identity politics and support for free speech—played a role. The movement, which bridges left and right ideologies, has grown into a cultural force shaping modern politics.
As figures like Musk, Gabbard, and Kennedy Jr. step into prominent roles in Trump’s administration, the intellectual dark web’s influence seems far from over.
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