Joe Rogan’s appearance at the White House alongside Donald Trump has raised eyebrows, after the MAGA podcast host joined the president as he signed an executive order focusing on psychedelic drug research to treat mental health.Rogan was present in the Oval Office directly behind the President of the United States on Saturday as Trump signed a measure aimed at speeding up research and regulatory approval of some psychedelic-based treatments, especially those being studied for conditions such as depression, anxiety and PTSD in veterans.“Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms may finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and live happier lives,” Trump said.The order directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the review process for treatments already in advanced clinical trials. It also includes medications such as psychedelics, which are being studied for mental health care.
Trump spoke about ibogaine, a narcotic used in some countries to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, and said the administration would explore expanding access to it through the Right to Try Act, which allows terminally ill patients to access experimental treatments that are still under review.
Joe Rogan has previously criticized Trump over foreign policy decisions, and said the initiative began after he shared information about psychedelic treatments with the president.“I sent him that information. The next text came back: ‘Sounds great.’ Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.” “Literally that fast,” Rogan said at the White House.Rogan also described how the discussion began through his podcast, where psychedelic treatments were a recurring topic.FDA Commissioner Martin McCurry, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz also attended the event.“Under this new program in this administration, drugs can be approved in a matter of weeks, not a year or more, but in weeks, if they align with our national priorities,” McCurry said.Trump also joked during the event, in response to discussions about mental health treatments.“Can I have some please?” He said, adding: “I’ll do whatever it takes… There’s no need to get depressed. If I stay busy enough, maybe that’s what works too, and that’s what I’m doing.”Rogan’s attendance comes at a time when he has also publicly criticized Trump’s foreign policy, including recent military actions in Iran. Despite this, Trump described him as “a little more liberal,” but said he was still respected.“We all respect Joe,” Trump said. “He’s a little more liberal than I am, and that’s OK.”
