Several prominent right-wing media figures and influencers associated with former President Donald J. Trump’s 2024 reelection campaign are experiencing notable shifts in their online audiences as the 2026 midterm elections approach. Data from multiple digital platforms indicate that the surge of pro-Trump content views seen during the 2024 campaign has generally declined, reflecting changing dynamics within conservative media.

Benny Johnson, a podcaster known for his loyal support of Trump, saw his YouTube viewership drop by millions compared to 2024 highs. Likewise, Dan Bongino, a former FBI deputy director and podcaster, experienced a significant decrease in livestream views, roughly halving from his peak last year. Megyn Kelly, a former Fox News host, encountered fluctuating engagement with occasional spikes that have been difficult to sustain over time. These trends suggest an overall reduction in appetite for some pro-Trump content among certain Republican audiences, partly attributed to frustration over economic issues and President Trump’s decision to engage in a conflict with Iran.

Analysis of audience metrics for a group of a dozen right-wing creators—including Tucker Carlson, Steven Crowder, Matt Walsh, Candace Owens, Stephen K. Bannon, Nicholas Fuentes, Ben Shapiro, Tim Pool, and Charlie Kirk—reveals that only a few have grown their followings since Trump’s inauguration, while many others have seen declines. The changes reflect challenges such as Republicans controlling Congress, which has dampened the intensity of political outrage that often fuels engagement, as well as a quieter midterm election cycle. Additionally, changes in social media algorithms and competition from newer influencers who blend political commentary with other content—such as gaming and lifestyle topics—have contributed to shifting audience patterns.

Certain figures have benefited from controversies within right-wing circles. Candace Owens, for example, expanded her audience by promoting conspiracy theories, particularly after the assassination of Charlie Kirk last September. Owens launched theories about the circumstances surrounding Kirk's death, which drove spikes in her podcast and YouTube viewership. Her broader range of subjects and contentious claims have helped her reach a wider audience beyond Trump’s base, though some of her statements, such as false claims about French First Lady Brigitte Macron’s gender, have resulted in ongoing defamation lawsuits. Owens defends her research and content as thorough and well-founded.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk also deepened fractures among conservative media personalities, with divisions emerging between staunch Trump loyalists and critics. Ben Shapiro, who has generally supported Trump and the conflict with Iran, has seen a substantial decline in YouTube subscribers and views, dropping to a fraction of his 2024 engagement. Although traffic to his publication, The Daily Wire, and his YouTube channel has decreased, his podcast remains resilient, aided in part by increased content production.

On platforms like Rumble, ideological battles continue among right-wing creators. Bongino, who briefly left media work to serve as an FBI deputy director before resigning and returning to podcasting, has not regained his prior audience size. Meanwhile, Nicholas Fuentes, who has become increasingly critical of Trump's second term, experienced a rapid rise in views during 2025 but now faces declines consistent with a broader trend. Critics argue that 2025’s spike in views for some may have been artificially inflated.

Observers note that disaffected Trump supporters such as Owens and Fuentes could play a growing role in shaping right-wing media narratives, signaling an evolving landscape. While several influencers report steady or growing followings on platforms like TikTok and Instagram despite decreases on YouTube and X, the overall fragmentation challenges the previously cohesive media ecosystem that helped mobilize Republican voters in past election cycles. The shifts underscore a more competitive and complex environment for conservative political media heading into the 2026 midterms.