Trump Fast-Tracks Psychedelic Research After Rogan's Text

The president's solicitous treatment of the podcaster contrasts with his attacks on other allies who criticized his Iran war policies.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:19pm

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An abstract, fractured painting in warm tones depicting an indistinct figure representing the political dynamics around the Iran war and Trump's relationship with his supporters.The president's solicitous treatment of the podcaster highlights his concerns over losing support from Trump's 2024 voters uneasy with the Iran conflict.Washington Today

According to podcaster Joe Rogan, President Donald Trump quickly approved research into therapeutic uses of psychedelics like Ibogaine after receiving a text message from Rogan. This comes despite Rogan's vocal criticism of Trump's handling of the Iran war, which the president has not responded to with the same vitriol he has used against other allies who offered similar criticisms.

Why it matters

Trump's willingness to fast-track Rogan's policy initiative while avoiding attacks on the podcaster's Iran war criticism suggests the president may be concerned about losing support from Rogan's large, relatively apolitical audience, many of whom voted for Trump in 2024 but have expressed reservations about the Iran conflict.

The details

Rogan recounted that after sending Trump a text message about the potential benefits of psychedelic treatments, the president responded enthusiastically, saying 'Sounds great! Do you want FDA approval? Let's do it!' and quickly moved to advance the research. This contrasts with Trump's aggressive attacks on other allies like Tucker Carlson, Megyn Kelly, and Candace Owens who have offered similar criticisms of his Iran war policies.

  • On Saturday, Rogan made a surprise visit to the Oval Office for a signing ceremony related to the psychedelics research.
  • Just days earlier, on Thursday, Rogan had called the Iran war 'f**king terrifying' and said it was 'why a lot of people feel betrayed' by Trump.

The players

Joe Rogan

A popular podcast host with a large, relatively apolitical audience that includes many Trump supporters. Rogan has been critical of Trump's handling of the Iran war but received a warm reception from the president.

Donald Trump

The 45th President of the United States, who has taken a much more solicitous approach to Rogan's criticisms of the Iran war compared to his attacks on other allies who have offered similar critiques.

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What they’re saying

“The text message came back, 'Sounds great! Do you want FDA approval? Let's do it!'”

— Joe Rogan, Podcast Host

“We did a little interview before the election. We had over 300 million people, and I said, 'Oh man, I hope Kamala doesn't do it.' And she didn't.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The White House has indicated that the FDA approval process for the psychedelic treatments championed by Rogan will be expedited.

The takeaway

Trump's willingness to cater to Rogan's policy priorities while avoiding attacks on the podcaster's Iran war criticism suggests the president may be concerned about losing support from Rogan's large, relatively apolitical audience, many of whom voted for Trump in 2024 but have expressed reservations about the ongoing conflict.