Joe Rogan has suggested that President Donald Trump may have initiated the war in Iran to divert public attention from the Epstein files. On the Wednesday episode of his podcast, Rogan discussed the timing of the conflict with guest Arsenio Hall, arguing that it served as a distraction from the release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Rogan drew parallels to past political distractions, referencing Bill Clinton's 1999 bombing of Yugoslavia during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. He stated, “Look, the Epstein files comes out — we go to war with Iran. It’s a good way to get people to stop talking about certain things.” Trump was mentioned multiple times in the Epstein files, though he has not been charged with any crimes and has stated he ended his friendship with Epstein before his 2008 conviction.
Rogan, who endorsed Trump in 2024, has since criticised the president's military operation in Iran, warning it could lead to World War III. He also questioned Trump's age, suggesting the 79-year-old may act recklessly. During his March 11 podcast, Rogan said Trump's supporters felt “betrayed” by the decision to go to war, noting that Trump had campaigned on ending “stupid, senseless wars.”
Despite Rogan's views, polling indicates that Trump's MAGA base overwhelmingly supports the Iran conflict. Rogan, who does not identify as MAGA, recently called the base “f****** dorks” and criticised Christian nationalists within the movement for viewing the war as a means to hasten biblical prophecies.
