Joe Rogan’s appearance at the White House alongside Donald Trump raised eyebrows after the MAGA podcast host joined the president in signing an executive order focusing on research into psychedelic drugs for mental health treatments.Rogan appeared in the Oval Office on Saturday, right behind the president, as Trump signed a measure aimed at expediting research and regulatory approval of certain psychedelic-based therapies, specifically those being studied for conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans.“Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms finally have a chance to regain their lives and live happier lives,” Trump said.The order directs the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the review process for treatments that have entered advanced clinical trials. It also includes drugs such as psychedelics, which are being studied for use in mental health care.Trump talked about ibogaine, a psychedelic substance used in some countries to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, and said the administration would explore expanding access through the Right to Try Act, which would allow terminally ill patients to access experimental treatments that are still under review.Joe Rogan has previously criticized Trump’s foreign policy decisions and said the initiative began after he shared information about psychedelic treatments with the president.“I sent him the information. The text I got was: ‘Sounds good. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.'” It was really that fast,” Rogan said at the White House.Rogan also described how the discussion started through his podcast, where psychedelic therapy has been a common topic.FDA Commissioner Martin Makary, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz also attended the event.“Under this new plan from this administration, drugs could be approved in a matter of weeks, not a year or more, but within weeks if they align with our national priorities,” Makary said.Trump also joked at the event, reacting to discussions about mental health treatment.“Can you give me some?” he said, adding, “I’ll do whatever it takes… I don’t have to be frustrated. If you stay busy enough, maybe that works too, and that’s what I do.”Rogan’s appearance comes as he has also publicly criticized Trump’s foreign policy, including recent military action against Iran. Still, Trump described him as “a little more liberal” but said he was still respected.“We all respect Joe. He’s a little more liberal than I am, and that’s okay,” Trump said.
