Kamal Ghorui
Joe Rogan’s appearance at the White House alongside Donald Trump has raised eyebrows, after the MAGA podcast host joined the president during the signing of an executive order focused on psychedelic drug research for mental health treatment.Rogan was present in the Oval Office right behind the POTUS on Saturday as Trump signed a measure aimed at speeding up research and regulatory approval for certain psychedelic-based therapies, particularly those being studied for conditions like depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans.“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,” Trump said.The order directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to speed up its review process for treatments that are already in advanced clinical trials. It also includes drugs such as psychedelics, which are being studied for mental health care.Trump talked about ibogaine, a psychedelic substance used in some countries for PTSD treatment, and said the administration would explore expanding access through the Right to Try Act, which allows terminally ill patients access to experimental treatments still under review.Joe Rogan has previously criticised Trump over foreign policy decisions and said the initiative began after he shared information about psychedelic treatments with the president.“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,” Rogan said at the White House.Rogan also described how the discussion began through his podcast, where psychedelic therapies have been a frequent topic.FDA Commissioner Martin Makary, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz were also present at the event.“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,” Makary said.Trump also joked during the event, reacting to discussions about mental health treatments.“Can I have some, please?” he said, adding, “I’ll do whatever it takes…I don’t have to be depressed. If you stay busy enough, maybe that’s what works too, that’s what I do.”Rogan’s presence comes at a time when he has also been openly critical of Trump’s foreign policy, including recent military actions in Iran. Despite that, Trump described him as “a little bit more liberal” but said he was still respected.“We all respect Joe. He’s a little bit more liberal than me and that’s okay,” Trump said.
