You’ve seen the clips. Joe Rogan sits there, headphones on, leaning into a Shure SM7B microphone while someone explains the intricacies of global trade. Since the 2024 election, everyone wants to know where the world's biggest podcaster stands on the 47th President’s economic backbone. Honestly, if you’re looking for a simple "pro" or "anti" stance, you aren’t going to find it. Rogan’s take on the joe rogan on trump tariffs conversation is way more nuanced—and lately, surprisingly critical—than the headlines suggest.
It's a weird spot to be in. Rogan endorsed Donald Trump right before the election, but since January 2025, the vibe has shifted. While he likes the "America First" energy, the actual math of taxing incoming goods has him, and a lot of his guests, looking a little worried.
The Pivot: Why Rogan Called the Canada Trade Feud "Stupid"
Back in March 2025, Rogan didn't hold back. On episode #2290 with Michael Kosta, he specifically dug into the tensions with Canada. Trump had been threatening massive tariffs on our northern neighbors to force concessions on border security and trade.
Rogan’s take? He called it "stupid."
His logic was basically that Canada is our closest ally and a massive trading partner. You start slapping 25% taxes on lumber or car parts coming across that border, and it’s the American construction worker who feels the sting. Rogan often talks about the "average guy," and he’s smart enough to realize that if a 2x4 costs twice as much, the housing crisis only gets worse.
The Ross Perot Connection
In a later episode (#2302) with comedian Ron White, things got even more interesting. They started watching old clips of Ross Perot—the guy who famously warned about that "giant sucking sound" of jobs leaving the U.S.
Rogan seemed to vibe with the intent of tariffs—the idea of bringing manufacturing back home. But he also pointed out the immediate pain. During that episode, they talked about the stock market drops that happened early in the second Trump term. Rogan isn't a Wall Street guy, but he’s roommates with reality. If the market tanks and everyday items get more expensive, he’s going to say something about it, regardless of who he voted for.
The Influencer Rift: Rogan, Portnoy, and the "Orange Monday" Hangover
It wasn't just Joe. The whole "bro-sphere" of influencers who helped propel Trump back to the White House hit a wall in early 2025.
- Dave Portnoy: The Barstool founder went on his "Davey Day Trader" stream after a particularly rough market day—coined "Orange Monday"—complaining about losing millions in his portfolio due to tariff fears.
- Elon Musk: Even Musk, a frequent JRE guest and government advisor, has tried to walk a tightrope, advocating for "zero tariffs" between the U.S. and Europe while supporting the general MAGA platform.
- Ben Shapiro: On his own platforms and during discussions that ripple into the JRE universe, Shapiro has called the rollout of the tariff plan "problematic" and "wrongheaded."
This creates a fascinating dynamic on The Joe Rogan Experience. You have these massive voices who are nominally on the same "team" as the administration, but they’re sounding the alarm on the specific mechanics of trade wars. Rogan’s platform has become the place where this internal debate actually happens out loud.
Why the "Joe Rogan on Trump Tariffs" Debate Matters for Your Wallet
Let’s get real for a second. Why do people care what a comedian/UFC commentator thinks about trade policy?
Because he simplifies it. When Rogan talks about tariffs, he isn't using Ivy League jargon. He’s asking, "Wait, so if we tax the steel, does the F-150 get more expensive?"
The answer, usually, is yes.
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The administration argues that these taxes are "leverage." They use them to force China, Mexico, or the EU to play fair. Rogan has expressed some support for this as a negotiation tactic. He’s a fight guy; he understands a heavy-handed clinch. But as a long-term economic strategy? He’s been hosting guests like Peter Schiff and Dave Smith who argue that tariffs are basically just a sales tax on American citizens.
Is the Honeymoon Over?
It’s too early to say Rogan has "flipped" entirely. He still praises Trump’s willingness to disrupt the system. But the 2025 episodes of JRE show a man who is increasingly concerned about overreach.
He’s slammed the administration on:
- Immigration Tactics: Calling the deportation of non-criminal workers "insane" and "horrific."
- Free Speech: Ripping the crackdown on foreign students who criticize government policy.
- The "Stupid" Trade Feuds: Specifically the ones that hit our closest allies and raise the cost of living.
Basically, Rogan likes the "vibes" of the movement but is getting a major reality check from the "math" of the policy.
Actionable Insights for the "Average Guy"
If you’re trying to navigate the same economic waters Rogan is talking about, here is what you need to keep an eye on:
- Watch the "Pass-Through" Costs: If you’re planning a big purchase (car, home renovation), pay attention to where the materials come from. Tariffs on Canadian lumber or Mexican steel hit the consumer almost instantly.
- Follow the "DOGE" Updates: Keep an eye on how Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy’s Department of Government Efficiency interacts with these trade policies. If they can cut spending, the need for tariff revenue might decrease.
- Listen to the Guests, Not Just Joe: When Rogan has economists on, look for the ones who explain the difference between a "revenue tariff" and a "protective tariff." It changes how you should manage your own investments.
The joe rogan on trump tariffs conversation isn't going away. As we move further into 2026, expect the podcast to become even more of a battleground for these ideas. Rogan isn't a politician; he’s a guy with a curious mind and a very loud microphone. If the "America First" policies start hurting the "Average American" Joe talks to every day, he’s going to be the first one to call it out.
What to do next:
Track the specific commodity prices for lumber and steel over the next quarter. If the "pause" on certain tariffs mentioned in recent news cycles holds, we might see a cooling of the rhetoric on JRE. If prices spike again, expect Rogan to double down on his "this is stupid" stance during his next big economic episode.