In a recent discussion, Joe Rogan suggested that Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran might have been a strategic diversion to shift focus away from the Epstein files’ release. The well-known comedian, renowned for his critical stance on war, shared his views during a conversation with fellow comic Arsenio Hall. Hall remarked on how political leaders often use ‘misdirection’ as a tactic, calling it a hallmark of American politics.

Rogan concurred with Hall’s observation, drawing parallels to past events like Bill Clinton’s military actions during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. He suggested that Trump was employing a similar strategy. “The Epstein Files come out – and suddenly, we’re at odds with Iran. It’s an effective way to divert public attention from certain issues,” Rogan stated.

He expanded on this idea, pointing out how creating a new crisis can effectively redirect public discourse. “You give them a new problem to think about,” Rogan added, noting his support for President Trump in the upcoming 2024 election.

Further, Rogan observed that the administration might also be using the threat of targeting journalists who leaked information about the rescued US airman as another diversionary tactic, distancing the public from the Epstein narrative.

‘You give them a new problem to think about,’ added the host, who endorsed President Trump ahead of the 2024 election. 

Rogan noted that they were also using the potential of going after journalists who leaked information regarding the recently rescued US airman as a distraction from the Epstein saga. 

‘That’s a sick society,’ Rogan concluded. 

Rogan has filled his podcast with discussions of the war efforts in Iran of late and largely slammed Trump for abandoning his goals of being a peaceful President.  

Joe Rogan called Donald Trump’s military actions in Iran a distraction from the release of the Epstein files

It was the latest in a series of criticisms the comic – who endorsed Trump in 2024 – has made about the war

Last week, Rogan and fellow podcaster Theo Von both struggled over the war and were highly critical. 

Rogan, 58, said toward the end, ‘I’m confused. I can’t believe we went into this war. When we started bombing Iran, I was like, “This can’t be true.”‘

Von, 46, responded by decrying Israel’s invasion of Lebanon, which Trump said he supports during a primetime speech the day before.

‘It’s like, just f*cking stop it. What do you need?’ a visibly frustrated Von asked.

Rogan replied: ‘Well, they’re trying to, supposedly, they’re trying to stop the terrorists,’ putting emphasis on the word ‘supposedly’.

Von exclaimed: ‘That’s crazy, though. You’re the f*cking terrorists! You know what I’m saying?’ The comic urged officials to reconsider their stance.

Earlier on, Rogan pointed out how the Iranian regime has a ‘unique method of protecting their missiles from being bombed’. He said recent strikes were aimed at stomping out supplies kept ‘deep underground.’ 

Von said he didn’t think ‘we’re over there doing that for ourselves, though’ – paving the way for Rogan to agree.

The comedian, who has previously criticized the war, was speaking to comic Arsenio Hall, who called ‘misdirection’ efforts by leaders ‘the story of American politics’

Rogan has filled his podcast with discussions of the war efforts in Iran of late and largely slammed Trump for abandoning his goals of being a peaceful President

‘It doesn’t seem like it. Doesn’t seem like it’s in our best interest, you know,’ Rogan said. 

Von wondered what ‘Israel holds over America that we do those things.’

Rogan replied, roughly a year and a half on from his Trump endorsement, ‘Well, first of all, there’s a lot of people that donated to the Trump campaign that have significant influence over him, and they’re very, uh, beholden.’

The comic also observed: ‘One thing, in the past, that leaders have used to cover up problems at home is a f*cking war.’

Earlier this month, Rogan told journalist Michael Shellenberger that Operation Epic Fury was not matching Trump’s campaign rhetoric. 

‘It just seems so insane based on what he ran on,’ Rogan said. 

The president touted his ticket with JD Vance as ‘pro-peace’ and suggested opponent Kamala Harris would send Americans to war.  

‘I mean, this is why a lot of people feel betrayed, right? He ran on “No more wars, end these stupid, senseless wars,” and then we have one that we can’t even really clearly define why we did it.’ Rogan added. 

Shellenberger partially defended Trump by saying that he only promised ‘no endless wars.’ 

Rogan quipped: ‘Listen, man, they’re all endless.’ 

He also echoed the likes of Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly, suggesting that the war is mainly being fought on behalf of Israel, saying ‘clearly, Israel wants this.’ 

‘It just doesn’t make any sense to me, unless we’re acting on someone else’s interests — like particularly Israel’s interests,’ he added.

In December, Rogan told comedian Shane Gillis any type of war ‘would be a terrible idea’. The conversation occurred just before the US’s invasion of Venezuela.

Last month, Rogan called Trump’s military aspirations in Iran ‘insane’. He said Trump supporters should ‘feel betrayed’ by the US’ strikes. Trump campaigned on an ‘America First’ foreign policy.