Joe Rogan has reignited his feud with President Donald Trump by criticizing the administration's military interventions in Iran and Gaza during a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience. The podcast host, who endorsed Trump in 2024, questioned the ethics of the wars, drawing parallels between innocent children in Gaza and those in New York City.
Rogan's Comparison of Civilian Casualties
During a discussion with comedian Ari Shaffir, Rogan addressed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating: "If you talk about what's happening in Gaza, people say October 7th shouldn't have happened. You're right. But those kids who live in Gaza, they didn't do October 7th." He then turned to the U.S. involvement in Iran, asking: "What we did to Iran, what if Iran nukes New York City? Those kids that live in the Bronx, they had nothing to do with what happened in Iran. So is that okay?"
Background of the Feud
Rogan's comments mark a significant break from the administration, despite his previous support. He has also disagreed with Trump on immigration, the release of the Epstein files, and Middle East policy. The rift was highlighted when Trump mocked Rogan as a "liberal" during a White House event, though Rogan later said the president was joking. A seemingly tense handshake at a UFC fight was also downplayed by Rogan, who explained it was about a psychedelics deal.
Rogan's Critique of Military Strategy
Rogan has called the war in Iran "insane" and suggested it was used to bury the Epstein files. The Gaza war, which began after the October 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people, has resulted in over 70,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. A United Nations commission has accused Israel of genocide, a charge Israel denies. Rogan lamented the destruction: "They've destroyed Gaza; it's just a wasteland now." Shaffir noted public polarization, saying: "I could show you a dead baby, and many would ask their last name before feeling bad." Rogan replied: "That's what's so dark."
Despite the criticism, Trump has not attacked Rogan on social media, unlike other conservative figures who questioned his foreign policy.
