Donald Trump is terrified of Howard Stern.

Why else would he actively avoid defending himself against the radio legend's persistent and effective attacks?

The U.S. president rarely misses an opportunity to denounce those he deems as "Hollywood elites"; which is any celebrity who publicly challenges his political positions, leadership, or his character. He knows that his supporters love when he takes on coast-dwelling "Liberals" who can come across as preachy and out of touch with the plight of the common person.

Trump won't hesitate to attack any A-Lister who comes after him, including Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, Bill Maher, and Chrissy Teigen.

But the president won't touch Stern...

Going After Stern Would Prove Too Dangerous For Trump Politically

While Trump can often appear removed from logic and reason, he's smart enough to know just how influential Howard Stern can be on the precise voter he needs to be re-elected.

And some of these voters are more dedicated to Stern than they are to Trump.

Related: An Inside Look At Howard Stern’s Time On America’s Got Talent

Stern has always connected with his audience, which appears to be a healthy mixture of men and women, and both those who sway left-wing and those who sway right. Listeners don't necessarily like him for his politics. They like him because he's intelligent, brutally honest, and hysterically funny.

During the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s, Stern was known for dramatically pushing the envelope. Millions of listeners tuned in to hear his often whacky, inappropriate, and shocking antics, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Nobody was safe. He was an equal opportunist for his often degrading sense of humor; as funny it was. Stern continuously angered the extremes of both sides of the political aisle, attracting the all-important "middle". The precise middle that isn't always partisan and tends to sway elections, according to Vox.

That middle has stayed with him, more or less, even though the show has re-focused on Stern's insecurities, Stern Show staff in-fighting, and the best celebrity interviews you'll find anywhere.

Stern's Evolution Has Only Expanded His Fanbase

Since Stern has softened over the last decade, he's attracted an even more diverse fanbase. Some of which may be surprised that he had some truly flattering traits about him all along, including his obsessive commitment to animal rights causes.

This metamorphosis was caused by his 2006 move from terrestrial radio to SiriusXM Pandora satellite, as well as his deep-dive into psychotherapy. This ability to grow is something Stern has stated Trump is incapable of.

And Stern would know...

After all, they've hung out once or twice and he's interviewed Trump numerous times, although not since Stern endorsed Hillary Clinton for president in 2015. Trump's likely never to appear on Stern's show again. Both Stern and his beloved, longtime co-host, Robin Quivers, are so deeply disturbed by how Trump has acted during his presidency and never miss a chance to ridicule him.

Related: 15 Surprising Things We Just Learned About Howard Stern’s Radio Show

Stern's Brutal, Honest, And Hilarious Critiques Of Trump

Among Stern's most biting comments was when he claimed that Trump actually "dispised" his MAGA voters. That he would be "repulsed" by them if they were to show up at one of his resorts.

Then, of course, there was the time he wished Trump would publicly drink Clorox to prove his "theory" about beating COVID-19... By the way, this is Stern when he's not on the offensive. If Trump were to turn on him publically, there's no telling how vicious Stern would become.

Between this and Stern's near-endless Trump gags/impersonations, there's no doubt the uber-sensitive president is triggered...

And yet, he has said nothing.

Trump Sent Don Jr. After Stern... And It REALLY Didn't Work

Instead of attacking Stern himself, Trump got his son to go on FOX News and call Stern, "Hollywood Howard". This was followed by Trump Jr.'s team "unearthing" a controversial Blackface sketch that Stern did in the early '90s; despite the satire of sketch actually being directed at Ted Danson who painted his face black at a 1993 Whoopi Goldberg roast, according to Slate.

Related: All The Celebs Howard Stern Has Feuded With

Stern expressed remorse for this sketch. Not unlike copious other comedians who've recently learned better. But the self-appointed "King Of All Media" knows that Donald Trump Jr.'s attempt to bring down was utterly pathetic. Especially since DTJ seemed to contradict himself. At first, he called Stern a "P.C., Hollywood elite", and then went after Stern for being offensive.

Seriously, dude, pick one.

It was no surprise that Stern eviscerated Trump Jr. in a couple of thoughtful and abnormally calm rants, according to Global News.

Stern Wears His Controversies On His Sleeve, Owns Them, Then Betters Himself

Trump must know that Stern is impossible to take down. All of his most dubious comments and actions have been done for his radio show. Stern chose to put that offensive sketch out back in 1993. According to The Hollywood Reporter, his personal life is anything but controversial.

When faced with the sketch controversy, Stern admitted that most of his old material is over-the-top and offensive by today's standards. That everything he did, controversial or not, was done for attention. That his insecurities got the better of him. It's taken time, but he's evolved, despite being outlandishly neurotic and deeply affected by the ghosts of his past.

This is why so many people adore him, both publically and personally... and why he's the most effective celebrity to take on the president...

Stern's An Imperfect Human Being. Not A Pandering Celebrity

Unlike many of the A-Listers who hate Trump and his politics, some of whom are Stern's closest friends, Stern also doesn't try to appease everyone. Unlike other influencers like Bill Maher, Oprah Winfrey, or even Joe Rogan, to some extent, he plays to no particular political faction. He simply tells people how he feels.

Right now... He's pissed at Donald Trump. And Stern's diverse, and often cult-like, fanbase is listening...

Next: 21 Surprising Facts About Howard Stern’s Wife, Beth