Trump Courts Joe Rogan Behind the Scenes Despite Iran War Criticism

President Donald Trump and his administration officials are working aggressively behind the scenes to court Joe Rogan, the influential podcast host, even as he publicly criticizes the president’s policies on the Iran war.

Why it matters: Rogan’s endorsement and his significant influence with young male listeners played a crucial role in securing Trump’s second term. The president recognizes that maintaining this relationship remains strategically important.

Rogan’s Oval Office Visit and Executive Order

Rogan made a surprise appearance in the Oval Office on Saturday, where he praised Trump while the president signed an executive order addressing a psychedelic drug policy that Rogan had personally advocated for via text message. The order accelerates federal review of psychedelics to aid in treating serious mental illnesses.

Behind-the-Scenes Efforts to Win Rogan’s Support

White House officials have been working to build bridges with Rogan for months. According to a Trump aide, the president is “frequently” in touch with the podcaster.

• Vice President JD Vance met with Rogan last month during a fundraising event in Austin, where Rogan is based, according to two people familiar with the meeting.
• Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also been in contact with Rogan and appeared on his podcast in February.
• Calley Means, a Kennedy adviser and advocate for psychedelic therapies, joined Rogan on his show in 2024.
• Both Kennedy and Means were present at the executive order signing.

Rogan’s Influence on Psychedelic Drug Policy

Rogan has long been a vocal proponent of psychedelic-based therapies. The executive order he helped inspire includes several key provisions:

• Fast-tracking FDA review for psychedelic drugs.
• Allocating $50 million for research into ibogaine, a psychedelic substance.
• Directing federal agencies to expand research into psychedelic treatments.

During the signing, Rogan recounted texting Trump about ibogaine, a psychedelic he believes could help curb opioid addiction. He shared Trump’s swift response:

“Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.”

Trump and Rogan’s Shared UFC Connections

Two weekends ago, Trump was en route to a UFC fight night in Miami, where Rogan was the announcer, when he contacted Dr. Mehmet Oz, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, about ibogaine. Kennedy and Oz then spearheaded the executive order. Later that evening, Trump greeted Rogan cageside.

Another Trump aide noted that the president and Rogan share a “legitimate friendship”, fostered by UFC President Dana White, who is close to both men.

Rogan is expected to serve as a commentator at the UFC Freedom 250 fight night, scheduled for June 14 on the White House South Lawn.

Friction Over Iran War Criticism

Despite their growing alliance, Rogan has been a vocal critic of Trump’s Iran war policies. In a recent appearance, he questioned the administration’s actions, stating:

“You’re shooting missiles into towns and blowing things up .... What the f*** are we doing? Like, how is this still going on?”

Rogan also expressed frustration with Trump, saying voters “feel betrayed” by the president, who had campaigned on a promise of “no more wars.”

Trump responded to Rogan’s criticism during the signing event, joking that the podcaster is “a little bit more liberal than I am.”

Contrasting Trump’s Approach to Rogan vs. Tucker Carlson

Analysts note that neither Trump nor Rogan appears willing to sever their relationship, as evidenced by their recent Oval Office meeting. This stands in stark contrast to Trump’s public feud with Tucker Carlson, another vocal critic of the Iran war. Trump has previously referred to Carlson as a “low-IQ person that has absolutely no idea what’s going on.”

Trump’s aides reportedly view Rogan as less ideologically rigid, making him a more valuable ally despite their occasional disagreements.