How Cancel Culture Became the Ultimate Political Strategy

First Admendment

The Campaign of “Silencing”

This last election wasn’t won on healthcare or immigration reform—it was won on vibes. And one of the strongest vibes Trump ran with? That so-called freedom of speech is under attack. He made himself the poster boy for people who feel like they can’t say anything without getting “canceled.”

And that message hit hard—especially with a certain crowd that believes cancel culture is the new chains.

Free Speech Isn’t Censorship—It’s Consequence

But here’s the truth: freedom of speech hasn’t gone anywhere. What’s really happening is that some people are being held accountable in public for the first time—and they don’t like how that feels.

The First Amendment protects you from the government. It does not protect you

from public opinion, being dropped by a brand, or losing your spot on a mainstream platform. That’s not censorship. That’s capitalism and community feedback colliding. If your core audience still rides for you? You’re not canceled. You just moved platforms.

Dj Akademkis & Donald Trump

The Real Strategy: Get Canceled, Get Rich

Enter folks like Andrew Tate, Joe Rogan, DJ Akademiks, and Kanye West.

Tate got banned from major platforms for misogynistic and violent rhetoric. But did he disappear? Nah. His audience followed him. He didn’t get canceled—he just relocated. And truthfully, his brand got bigger because of the controversy.

Joe Rogan, too, plays a huge role in this free speech narrative. As a comedian and podcaster with one of the largest platforms in the world, Rogan has turned controversy into currency. Whether he’s downplaying public health info or platforming conspiracy theorists, the backlash never truly sticks because his core audience sees him as a truth-teller, not a threat. And that audience is loyal. As long as they stay locked in, Rogan stays relevant—not canceled.

Then there’s DJ Akademiks. He’s not a comedian, but he plays the same role in hip-

hop that many of these so-called free speech warriors do—loud, messy, and endlessly monetizing outrage. Akademiks built his platform off drama, disrespect, and amplifying conflict. When he’s called out for fueling toxicity, he cries censorship. But he’s not being silenced—he’s being challenged. And in the age of algorithms, challenge equals clicks.

And of course, Kanye. The ultimate chaos agent. Ye went from genius to grievance in the public eye—rallying cries about free speech while spreading anti-Black, antisemitic, and deeply harmful rhetoric. Kanye wasn’t canceled for telling the truth. He was held accountable for repeatedly choosing violence over reflection. Still, his fanbase didn’t vanish. Many stayed. Some even applauded. Because again, if your people still ride for you, you’re not canceled. You’re just no longer in control of the main stage.

Donald Trump & Lil Wayne

Hip-Hop and the Myth of Silencing

In hip-hop, this idea of being silenced hits different. The genre itself was born out of not having a voice. So when artists start talking about being censored, we need to ask: are you being silenced, or are you mad the mainstream no longer claps for you?

Ice Cube dipped his toe in those waters, too. Linking up with Trump for the so-called Platinum Plan had the culture divided. Cube claimed he was doing it “for the people,” but let’s be honest—aligning with a platform built on fear and disinformation didn’t sit right with most fans. Still, Cube didn’t disappear. His real ones still support him. Because when you have a loyal audience, canceled isn’t a real thing.

What Trump and These Figures Really Understand

Donald Trump & Andrew Trump

That’s the game Trump understands well. You don’t need everyone. You just need a niche, a platform, and a good villain. And in 2024, “wokeness” was the villain. Freedom of speech was the rallying cry.

But let’s be real: this ain’t about speech. It’s about power. It’s about people who used to control the narrative being mad that the mic got passed.

The Mic Got Passed—Now What?

Today, the mic is everywhere. Social media made it so anybody can talk back. And when folks clap back at harmful rhetoric, that’s not cancellation—that’s community. That’s cultural checks and balances.

So no, freedom of speech isn’t in danger. What’s really being challenged is the expectation that you can say whatever, disrespect whoever, and still get love from everybody.

You can’t.

And if your people still rock with you? Cool. But don’t confuse loyalty with immunity. You’re not canceled—you’re just not centered anymore.

And maybe that’s not oppression. Maybe that’s evolution.