History of Michael Knowles (political commentator) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 9, 2025

Michael Knowles is a conservative political commentator, author, and media host best known for his work with The Daily Wire, including hosting "The Michael Knowles Show." He gained initial recognition with his satirical book, "Reasons to Vote for Democrats: A Comprehensive Guide," consisting of blank pages. A Yale graduate with a background in acting, Knowles focuses on political commentary, often taking a conservative stance on social and cultural issues. He has published another book called "Speechless" in 2021.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

March 18, 1990: Michael Knowles Born

On March 18, 1990, Michael John Knowles was born. He is an American conservative political commentator, author, and media host.

2008: Enrollment at Yale University

In 2008, Michael Knowles enrolled at Yale University.

2012: Appearance in House of Shades

In 2012, Michael Knowles appeared in the student film "House of Shades".

2012: Graduation from Yale University

In 2012, Michael Knowles graduated with honors from Yale University, double majoring in history and Italian literature. During college, he contributed to the Yale Daily News, was a student fellow of the William F. Buckley Jr. Program, and produced the first English rendering of Niccolò Machiavelli's play Andria.

2012: Political Involvement at Yale

In 2012, as a Yale student, Knowles co-founded the Students for Daniels organization, seeking to draft Indiana governor Mitch Daniels for the 2012 United States presidential election. The group later endorsed Jon Huntsman, with Knowles becoming his national youth co-chair. He also supported Nan Hayworth's campaign, founded a consulting group, and created sketches with Jimmy McMillan.

2016: Joins The Daily Wire

In 2016, Michael Knowles joined The Daily Wire as a guest and cultural correspondent for The Andrew Klavan Show.

2017: Reasons to Vote for Democrats Publication

In 2017, Michael Knowles gained early prominence with the publication of "Reasons to Vote for Democrats: A Comprehensive Guide," a satirical book consisting of blank pages that became a bestseller.

Reasons to Vote for Democrats: A Comprehensive Guide

Check it on Amazon

2017: Release of empty book

In 2017, Michael Knowles released an empty book called "Reasons to Vote for Democrats: A Comprehensive Guide", which became a bestseller on Amazon.

Reasons to Vote for Democrats: A Comprehensive Guide

Check it on Amazon

2017: Begins The Michael Knowles Show

Starting in 2017, Michael Knowles began hosting The Michael Knowles Show, a daily political podcast, under The Daily Wire.

June 2018: Marriage to Alissa

In June 2018, Michael Knowles married his wife Alissa.

April 2019: Speech at University of Missouri

In April 2019, Michael Knowles gave a speech at the University of Missouri–Kansas City titled "Men Are Not Women." He was assaulted by a protesting student who sprayed him with lavender oil. The student was charged, and the university's initial response was criticized before clarifying its commitment to free speech.

September 2019: Greta Thunberg comment

In September 2019, Michael Knowles called climate activist Greta Thunberg a "mentally ill Swedish child" on Fox News, leading to an apology from the network and a temporary ban. He later reappeared on Fox News.

January 2020: Launch of Verdict with Ted Cruz podcast

In January 2020, during Donald Trump's first impeachment, Michael Knowles and Ted Cruz launched the podcast "Verdict with Ted Cruz".

January 2021: Syndication of The Michael Knowles Show

In January 2021, radio network Westwood One syndicated The Michael Knowles Show to target a young conservative demographic.

2021: Publication of Speechless

In 2021, Michael Knowles published his second book, "Speechless".

October 2022: Departure from Verdict with Ted Cruz

In October 2022, Michael Knowles left the podcast "Verdict with Ted Cruz" when it was acquired by iHeartRadio due to contractual reasons.

March 2023: CPAC Speech on Transgenderism

In March 2023, at the Conservative Political Action Conference, Michael Knowles argued that transgenderism should be eradicated from public life, sparking criticism and accusations of genocidal rhetoric, which he defended as referring to transgenderism as an ideology.

2023: Attention for past appearance

In 2023, Michael Knowles's appearance in the 2012 student film "House of Shades" attracted media attention due to his comments about transgender people.