Joe Rogan: “Rap Has Fallen Off the Charts ‘Cause USAID Got Defunded”
Rogan claims that US hip-hop was being supported by an international aid program. Joe Rogan: “Rap Has Fallen Off the Charts ‘Cause USAID Got Defunded” Wren Graves
In a recent podcast episode, Joe Rogan suggested that the decline in rap music's popularity is due to the defunding of USAID. The comedian and podcast host claimed that USAID, an agency primarily focused on providing aid and support to people in different countries, had been funding a number of radical anti-government rappers abroad.
This, Rogan argued, was part of a broader effort to influence governments through music. However, this claim is not accurate. In 2009, USAID did provide some support to Aldo, a Cuban rapper with anti-Castro sentiments, but this was an isolated case. USAID also funded a health-focused music program in Tanzania aimed at educating students about AIDS and other public health issues.
These programs, while noteworthy, were not about promoting anti-regime propaganda or supporting domestic American rappers. In fact, USAID's budget was significantly cut in 2025, leading to dire consequences for the millions of people it serves. Despite Rogan's unfounded claims, there is no evidence that USAID has ever supported rappers or domestic artists in the United States.
Written by urgent.news from Consequence's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
