In recent months, President Donald Trump has received growing criticism from podcaster Joe Rogan due to a combination of the former's policies and dissatisfaction with the wider MAGA movement. Now, reports Axios, the White House is working “aggressively” to bring Rogan back into Trump’s corner.
Rogan’s last-minute endorsement of Trump in the final hours of the 2024 election is often cited as a key factor in determining the outcome, as the host’s podcast is not only the most popular in the world, but has particular sway among young men — a vital bloc in the president’s winning coalition. But in January, Rogan began criticizing Trump for the violent tactics of ICE, questions about the Epstein files, and the decision to launch war against Iran. This came as Rogan was also attacking MAGA in general, saying it is comprised of “weird,” “unintelligent dorks.” None of this bodes well for GOP electoral hopes with the midterms approaching fast.
In an attempt to win Rogan back, the White House has not only been maintaining contact behind the scenes, but has begun pushing policies the podcaster is particularly interested in.
Efforts to “build bridges” with Rogan have involved repeated visits from top administration officials. Vice President JD Vance met Rogan during an RNC fundraising stop in Austin, while Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his advisor Calley Means have appeared on the podcast and maintained contact.
Then on Saturday, Rogan joined the president in the Oval Office for the signing of an executive order that will speed the federal review of psychedelic drugs used to treat severe mental illness. Rogan has been a major proponent of psychedelic therapy over the past decade, and while research and legalization efforts have gained traction in recent years, the executive order was a direct attempt by the administration to woo Rogan back to Trump’s favor.
In recent months, Trump has fallen out with many of his most high-profile, longest-running backers, such as Tucker Carlson, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Candace Owens, and Alex Jones. As MAGA support erodes fast, maintaining Rogan as an ally may prove essential to holding on to the administration’s rapidly dwindling support.