Joe Rogan Criticizes Trump’s Handling of Iran Conflict and Epstein Files

Podcaster Joe Rogan has publicly criticized President Trump before the UFC event at the White House, expressing dissatisfaction with the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and the ongoing war in Iran. Previously endorsing Trump for the 2024 election, Rogan voiced discontent over unmet expectations regarding the release of Epstein-related files and unfulfilled campaign promises.

During Friday’s episode of The Joe Rogan Experience with guest Cameron Hanes, Rogan stated, “We’re all pissed. We all thought that, you know, all that stuff was going to be released right after the election. It’s gonna — we’re gonna drain the swamp and find all the pedophiles.” Hanes, a native of Oregon, remained optimistic about Trump’s first term, suggesting some progress had been made. However, Rogan quickly countered Hanes’ remark, noting he was not pleased with the administration’s actions in Iran. Rogan commented, “I feel like we bombed them the first time, we were good. The second time was like, even the first time I was like, what are we doing?”

The United States and Iran have recently outlined a tentative agreement to conclude the war, which includes Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iranian ports. According to Pakistani officials and the Associated Press, negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program and potential sanction relief will follow, with the agreement anticipated for signing on Friday.

Rogan, set to commentate the upcoming UFC event at the White House on Trump’s 80th birthday, highlighted the widespread disapproval of the Iran conflict among U.S. citizens. Despite admitting to a lack of foreign policy expertise, Rogan emphasized, “Most people in the country don’t want it.” He expressed concern that the conflict caters primarily to those prioritizing Israel, while dismissing the interests of Americans favoring no new wars.

Weeks earlier, Rogan commented on the Iran war leaving the U.S. “vulnerable” to unforeseen crises. While participating in a lighter discussion on the UFC event at the White House, Rogan stated, “You don’t like the Iran war thing, but I like that.” Comedian Harland Williams interjected, suggesting that barring Iran’s nuclear ambitions is more beneficial than a UFC fight.

Rogan compared the current situation in Iran with the historical context of Afghanistan. Following the September 11 attacks in 2001, the U.S. military engaged in its longest conflict, concluding with a chaotic withdrawal in August 2021. Rogan remarked, “That is a good concept. However, I don’t necessarily know there’s a clear way to get out of this.”

Last month, Rogan’s critique came soon after the Center for Strategic and International Studies reported that the Iran war has significantly strained U.S. weapons supplies, predicting years for replenishment due to budget approvals, production time, and allocations to allies. Rogan has also previously warned about the possibility of a military draft, driven by calls for universal national service from a major technology company.