Podcaster Joe Rogan took a swipe at President Donald Trump on Wednesday over his war in Iran, telling Rupert Lowe, a right-wing member of British Parliament, that it was something no conservative wanted.
Rogan's jab came right after he criticized the use of taxpayer money to fund the U.S. Agency for International Development, which Trump dismantled early in his second term. Lowe suggested that with those funds no longer being used, "at least, you're making a stab at returning to some form of normality." Rogan interrupted, saying, "For now, but I mean, we might've fucked it up by going to Iran."
Public Opinion and Political Backlash
The president has faced months of criticism over the economic consequences of his war in Iran. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that only 1 in 4 Americans believes the war has been worth its costs. Trump announced Wednesday that the interim peace deal with Iran, which faced backlash from his own Republican Party when first announced, is already "over."
"I don't want to deal with them, but they're scum. You know what scum is? They're scum, they're sick people, they're led by sick people, and they're vicious, violent people," Trump told reporters at the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey.
Rogan's Criticism and Endorsement History
Rogan blasted the war, arguing that "most people don't want it — except supporters of Israel." He added, "They're the only people that seem to be thinking it's a good idea in this country. Most people are horrified by the idea, because Trump was elected — one of the pillars that he stood for, apparently, was that he doesn't want any more wars."
Lowe argued that leaders "should put the interests of their taxpaying public first." He said, "And there's only a reason to go to war if it's going to benefit you, and it was difficult to see what the benefit was."
Rogan, who endorsed Trump in the 2024 election, has increasingly criticized the president, especially regarding the Iran war. In May, he stated he was not sure "if it's a good thing for America" or "if there's a way out of it." He has also called out Trump's "insane" immigration raids.
