At the Democratic National Convention, speeches by Oprah Winfrey and former First Lady Michelle Obama took aim at former President Donald Trump and addressed topics such as democracy, inequality, and societal values.
However, podcaster Joe Rogan called out both influential figures for their significant wealth in a pointed critique that gained traction on social media.
In her address, Oprah Winfrey emphasized the importance of defending democracy against life’s bullies, citing personal experiences with “racism, sexism, income inequality, and division.”
Yet, her past interactions with Trump paint a complex picture.
Following her speech, the Trump campaign quickly highlighted a thank-you letter from Winfrey to Trump dating back to 2000, where she playfully mooted the idea of them running for office together, stating, “Too bad we’re not running for office. What a team!”
During her speech, Michelle Obama pondered the principles ingrained in her by her parents, highlighting the significance of diligence, modesty, and integrity.
She recounted how her parents were wary of those “who took more than they needed,” suggesting a preference for modest living. This narrative, however, stands in stark contrast to the Obama family’s current substantial wealth and lifestyle.
Joe Rogan didn’t mince words when discussing the perceived discrepancy between Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama’s public personas and personal accomplishments on his podcast.
“How about Oprah?” Rogan mused. “Oprah was talking about her and Trump running together, and now she’s speaking to the DNC that he’s a threat to democracy and she’s up there talking about income inequality, like, ‘Hey lady… you’re rich as f—.’ I’m like, ‘How is that equal?’”
Watch Joe Rogan Unload on Oprah's Hypocrisy at the DNC
“Hey, lady. You're rich as f—k!.”
But it wasn't just Oprah's comments on “income inequality” that caught Rogan's attention, he also went after… pic.twitter.com/5qCX131t1B
— The Vigilant Fox 🦊 (@VigilantFox) August 29, 2024
Rogan proceeded with his criticism, pivoting to Michelle Obama and questioning the sincerity of her comments regarding modesty and her suspicion of wealth.
“And also when Michelle Obama was saying, you know, I think she was saying her mother or grandmother was always suspicious of people who took more than they needed, like, you are worth so much money. That’s so crazy. You did it on a civil servant’s salary which is insane,” he pointed out.
Rogan’s comments sparked debates about the genuineness and reliability of political figures who promote equality while personally profiting from significant wealth.
Conservative radio host Dana Loesch also commented on the inconsistency of Oprah addressing income inequality.
“Kinda weird for Oprah, with her Hawaiian estate and multiple homes, expensive wardrobes, frequent luxury vacations, etc., to talk about income inequality,” Loesch wrote.
The ex-President’s campaign team made sure to emphasize these inconsistencies as well. The Trump War Room posted a video clip of Michelle Obama’s speech, along with a comment pointing out her significant wealth and extravagant home:
“Michelle Obama says her parents ‘were suspicious of folks who took more than they needed.’ She has a net worth of $70 million and lives in a mansion in Martha’s Vineyard.”
Michelle Obama says her parents "were suspicious of folks who took more than they needed."
She has a net worth of $70 million and lives in a mansion in Martha's Vineyard. pic.twitter.com/Rdl6qphYPf
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) August 21, 2024
The debates and discussions that followed the DNC showcase an increasing focus on the contrast between the public statements and personal lives of some of America’s most prominent figures.
