Jordan Klepper, the longtime Daily Show correspondent famed for his man-on-the-street interviews with ardent supporters of Donald Trump, has observed a profound shift in their demeanour between the former president's first and second terms. In an interview with People magazine published Friday, Klepper pinpointed the change beginning "right after the inauguration" in January of last year.
The End of Defensiveness Among the MAGA Faithful
Klepper explained that the core transformation is "the lack of defensiveness from the MAGA faithful." Reflecting on past election cycles, he noted a previous "trepidation" in conversations about the "crueler, more aggressive actions" of a Trump administration. Supporters would often become defensive or pivot to other topics when pressed.
"And usually, they would find something else to talk about," Klepper said. But in this new wave, following Trump's 2024 election win, that dynamic has vanished. With the ex-president launching mass deportations, deploying troops to U.S. cities, and authorizing deadly strikes against alleged drug smugglers, his base is no longer "hiding their intentions" but openly "celebrating."
Klepper highlighted that this celebratory attitude extends to policies like pardoning January 6 rioters. While many in the MAGA movement and pro-Trump pundits cheer these actions, some Republicans have joined Democrats in criticizing the ongoing maritime strikes targeting boats from Venezuela.
A Faster News Cycle and a Stunted Democratic Response
Another major change Klepper has witnessed since joining The Daily Show in 2014 is the accelerated pace of news. He told People that before the Trump era, the show had "a couple of days" to craft stories. Now, they are constantly "playing catch-up."
"It feels like an important time to be commenting on what’s happening in the news," the 46-year-old comedian stated. "I feel like it’s more a part of culture and more a part of our lives than it’s ever been, as far as I’ve been alive."
While surprised by the MAGA movement's newfound confidence, Klepper was equally taken aback by "the pushback to it." He observed that the Democratic movement "has been stunted" since Trump's reelection. However, a protest in October 2025 offered a glimmer of hope.
A Naked Protest in Portland: A Sign of Vigour?
Klepper covered an "Emergency World Naked Bike Ride" in Portland, Oregon, where participants protested Trump's immigration policies outside an ICE facility. He described the demonstration as being carried out "with such joy and vigor." With a characteristic cheeky tone, he added, "It takes balls, for lack of a better term ... that was a response that I hadn’t seen in person."
Klepper's insights are drawn from years of attending Trump rallies, grilling supporters on their beliefs, and covering pivotal events like the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. His analysis paints a picture of a transformed political landscape where the most fervent Trump supporters have moved from a posture of justification to one of unabashed triumph.
