Trump is savaging allies who criticize the Iran war. But he’s treating Joe Rogan very differently

Trump’s Unique Approach to Joe Rogan Contrasts with His Treatment of Other Allies

During a recent Oval Office ceremony, President Donald Trump appeared to favorably respond to a proposal from Joe Rogan, a prominent podcaster. According to Rogan’s account, Trump’s swift endorsement of psychedelic research—specifically therapies involving Ibogaine—was sparked by a single text message. “The text message came back, ‘Sounds great! Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it!’” Rogan recounted while standing behind Trump, highlighting how quickly the president acted on the idea.

While this story underscores Trump’s eagerness to support initiatives, it also reveals a distinct relationship with Rogan. Unlike his approach toward other critics, such as Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones, Trump has been notably accommodating to Rogan. The podcaster’s recent critiques of the Iran war have been sharp, yet Trump seems to have softened his stance, even offering public praise.

“I can’t believe we went to this war,” Rogan said on a podcast with Theo Von.

Rogan’s comments on the Iran conflict have been unrelenting. Last month, he called the war “insane, given his campaign promises” of ending conflicts. Earlier this month, he described it as “f**king terrifying,” emphasizing the disconnect between Trump’s pre-election rhetoric and his wartime actions. Despite this, Trump recently signed off on one of Rogan’s major projects, though the initiative also involves former Republican Governor Rick Perry and former Democratic Senator Kyrsten Sinema.

Trump’s gesture was not lost on his audience. During the signing event, he referenced their presence, recalling a 2024 interview where he discussed the Iran war. “We had over 300 million people, and I said, ‘Oh man, I hope Kamala doesn’t do it,’” Trump noted, adding that she “didn’t.” The president also called Rogan “a fantastic person,” despite the harsh critiques.

The contrast in Trump’s behavior suggests a nuanced strategy. While he has publicly attacked allies who questioned his Iran policy, he appears to be more lenient with Rogan. This could indicate a growing awareness of potential backlash from his base, as polls show a significant portion of 2024 voters are dissatisfied with the war. Some 1 in 5, or even 1 in 4, of Trump’s supporters reportedly feel betrayed by his decision to enter the conflict.

Analysts speculate that Trump views Rogan differently from traditional conservative figures. Unlike Kelly or Carlson, who are deeply embedded in the movement, Rogan’s political neutrality may make his criticism more impactful. During a February conversation with Logan Paul, Trump revisited his 2024 interview with Rogan, seemingly aiming to reinforce their bond. When pressed about the podcaster’s critiques of his immigration policies, Trump chose to reassure rather than retaliate.

“I think he’s a great guy, and I think he likes me, too,” Trump stated, though he later dismissed the importance of personal affection. This remark highlights his tendency to prioritize loyalty from those he perceives as allies. Rogan’s apolitical background, however, may have spared him from the same scrutiny. As Trump noted, the podcaster “is a little bit more liberal than I am,” a trait that could complicate his support for the administration.