Trump is savaging allies who criticize the Iran war. But he’s treating Joe Rogan very differently
Trump is savaging allies who criticize the Iran war. But he’s treating Joe Rogan very differently
During a recent Oval Office signing ceremony, Joe Rogan recounted a pivotal moment in his conversations with President Donald Trump. “The text message came back, ‘Sounds great! Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it!’” Rogan shared while standing directly behind Trump. “It was literally that quick.” This exchange highlighted Trump’s eagerness to support initiatives, yet it also revealed a nuanced shift in their relationship. Rogan’s visit coincided with his public critiques of Trump’s Iran policy, which had drawn sharp reactions from other prominent figures.
Despite his harsh words about the Iran war, Trump’s response to Rogan was notably more accommodating. While he has criticized allies like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones for similar remarks, he treated Rogan with unusual leniency. This contrast suggests a deeper strategic consideration. Trump’s approval of Rogan’s psychedelic research initiative, which also involved former Republican Texas Governor Rick Perry and former Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona, underscores this dynamic.
“I can’t believe we went to this war,” Rogan stated on a podcast with Theo Von. “Now we’re in one of the craziest ones.”
“Most people that voted for Trump or wanted Trump to be in office, one of the things that was attractive was this: No more wars,” Rogan added. “Now we’re in one of the craziest ones.”
Trump’s favorable stance toward Rogan appeared to extend beyond policy disagreements. During an appearance with podcaster Logan Paul, he reminisced about their 2024 interview, emphasizing how much he valued Rogan’s audience. “We had over 300 million people, and I said, ‘Oh man, I hope Kamala doesn’t do it.’ And she didn’t,” Trump remarked, referencing the election. He also called Rogan “a fantastic person,” despite the podcast host’s scathing assessments of the Iran conflict.
Trump’s approach to Rogan’s criticisms may reflect a growing awareness of potential voter backlash. Polling indicates that a significant portion of his 2024 supporters are unsettled by the war, with up to 20% or 25% expressing disapproval. This has led to speculation that Trump is prioritizing maintaining his base over retaliating against critics. However, another theory is that Rogan’s political neutrality sets him apart from traditional conservative allies like Kelly and Carlson.
“He’s a great guy, and I think he likes me, too,” Trump said when addressing Rogan’s critique of his deportation policies. “And, you know, liking me isn’t important.” This comment, though lighthearted, hints at Trump’s reliance on perceived loyalty. Rogan, with his apolitical roots, may be seen as a less threatening figure, allowing Trump to soften his response without jeopardizing his core support.
Rogan’s influence on Trump’s decisions appears to be a double-edged sword. While his critiques of the Iran war have been pointed, his ability to sway public opinion without fully aligning with Trump’s base makes him a unique case. As midterm elections approach, this delicate balance may shape how Trump navigates his remaining challenges.
