Trump Signs Order to Expedite Psychedelics Testing for PTSD Treatment

Executive action follows text from podcaster Joe Rogan to the president

Apr. 18, 2026 at 4:13pm

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A ghostly, translucent X-ray image of a human brain, with glowing neural pathways and synapses illuminated against a dark background, conceptually representing the potential for psychedelics to treat mental health conditions.An X-ray view into the human brain reveals the intricate neural networks that psychedelics may help unlock to treat PTSD and other mental health disorders.Washington Today

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Saturday to accelerate the Food and Drug Administration's review of psychedelics like Ibogaine as potential treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder among military veterans. The order came after Trump received a text message from podcaster Joe Rogan advocating for the use of psychedelics to combat PTSD.

Why it matters

The executive order aims to address the high rates of suicide and mental health struggles among U.S. service members, with the Pentagon reporting 471 suicides and 1,500 attempted suicides in 2024 alone. Proponents believe psychedelics could offer a new avenue for treating PTSD and depression, though the drugs remain largely illegal and taboo.

The details

Trump's order will direct the FDA to fast-track its review of psychedelics like Ibogaine as potential PTSD treatments. The move follows outreach from Rogan, who said he texted the president about the issue and received a quick response: "Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let's do it." Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also supported the use of Ibogaine for PTSD. The FDA commissioner said drugs could now get approved in "weeks, not a year or year plus" if they align with the administration's priorities.

  • Trump signed the executive order on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • In 2024, the Pentagon reported 471 U.S. service member suicides and 1,500 attempted suicides.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who signed the executive order to expedite psychedelics research for PTSD treatment.

Joe Rogan

A popular podcast host who texted Trump to advocate for the use of psychedelics to combat PTSD, leading to the executive order.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Secretary of Health who has supported the use of the psychedelic drug Ibogaine to treat PTSD symptoms like depression.

Martin Makary

The commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration who noted that drugs can now get approved in "weeks, not a year or year plus" under the new program.

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What they’re saying

“Today's order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“I sent him that information. The text message that came back: 'Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let's do it.' Literally that quick.”

— Joe Rogan, Podcast Host

“Under this new program in this administration, drugs can get approved in weeks, not a year or year plus, but in weeks, if they are in line with our national priorities. This is an unmet public health need, and there are potentially promising treatments. That's why there's a sense of urgency around this. That's why we're doing it now.”

— Martin Makary, FDA Commissioner

What’s next

The FDA will now work to fast-track its review of psychedelics like Ibogaine as potential treatments for PTSD among military veterans. If the trials are successful, some currently illegal psychedelics could be reclassified.

The takeaway

This executive order represents a significant shift in the federal government's approach to psychedelics, moving away from the long-held taboo around these substances and toward a more open-minded exploration of their potential therapeutic benefits, particularly for addressing the mental health crisis among U.S. service members.