Joe Rogan has strongly criticised Donald Trump's $1.8 billion settlement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), describing the deal as 'crazy' during an episode of his podcast. The UFC commentator, who endorsed Trump in the 2024 election, has repeatedly taken issue with the president on various matters, most notably the conflict in Iran.
Rogan's Reaction to the Settlement
Speaking with comedian Tom Segura, Rogan expressed outrage over the settlement, particularly the provision that grants Trump and his sons immunity from future IRS tax audits. Segura explained that the Department of Justice is now 'forever barred and precluded' from pursuing similar actions against Trump, his organisation, or his sons as part of the agreement reached after the 2018 leak of Trump's tax returns.
'That is so crazy,' Rogan said. 'Imagine like somebody accused you of murder, yeah, and turns out you weren't guilty of that murder and then you sue them and you go, "You can never prosecute me for murder again."'
Rogan compared the situation to Uday Hussein, the son of former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, who was accused of serial rape and murder of young women and underage girls. Throughout the programme, Segura repeatedly described the deal as 'crazy'.
White House Response
The White House referred The Daily Mail to The Trump Organization for comment on the matter.
Republican Party Divisions
Trump's control over the Republican Party has faced significant strain, with senators refusing to vote on a $70 billion funding package for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Speaker Mike Johnson skipped a crisis meeting at the White House, marking a notable act of rebellion from one of Trump's most loyal allies.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faced criticism during a two-hour closed-door meeting with senators on Capitol Hill regarding the fund for Trump's prosecuted political allies. Republicans described the fund as a 'galactic blunder', 'utterly stupid', and 'morally wrong'.
Senator John Thune, already angered by Trump's endorsement of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton over his ally John Cornyn, pulled the vote on ICE funding and sent lawmakers home until June 1. This impasse presents one of the greatest challenges to Trump's authority over the Republican Party during his second term, as the GOP works to advance key legislation before the November midterms.
GOP Senators Confront Blanche
During the closed-door meeting with Blanche, even Trump's most loyal supporters, including Senators Katie Britt of Alabama and Tommy Tuberville, broke ranks to confront him. Many lawmakers expressed concern over taxpayer money being used to benefit rioters who injured police officers during the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Thune told reporters that the White House 'need to help with this issue, because we have a lot of members who are concerned.' While Thune's public criticism is officially linked to the controversy over Trump's 'slush fund', sources indicate he is also upset about Trump's endorsement of Paxton over Cornyn in the Texas Senate GOP primary.
When asked if he was losing control of Senate Republicans, Trump responded: 'I really don't know. I can tell you I only do what's right.'
More than half of Senate Republicans privately raised concerns about the fund during the meeting with Blanche, including many who have not yet spoken publicly. Outgoing Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy questioned: 'Do you really think that the American people like the president suing himself, basically, then making a deal that benefits himself with a broad immunity, for not just for IRS dealings but anything else?'
Utah Senator John Curtis stated: 'I don't like the fund at all.' North Carolina Senator Thom Tillis called it a 'payout pot for punks', while Wisconsin Senator Ron Johnson described it as 'a galactic blunder'.
Details of the Settlement Fund
The Justice Department recently resolved a $10 billion lawsuit brought by Trump by establishing a $1.8 billion fund for his political allies. This fund provides formal apologies and monetary relief to claimants who were subjected to 'lawfare' under the Biden administration. More than 1,600 January 6 defendants pardoned by Trump are eligible to receive payments from the fund. Two police officers who defended the US Capitol during the 2021 riot have filed a lawsuit in a Washington, DC, district court to block the fund.
