Joe Rogan Faces Backlash After Comparing ICE to Gestapo Despite Past Support for Trump
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In a recent episode of his widely listened-to podcast, Joe Rogan sparked intense debate after likening the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to the Gestapo, the notorious Nazi secret police. During a January 13 conversation with Senator Rand Paul, Rogan questioned the aggressive immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, bluntly asking, “Are we really going to be the Gestapo? ‘Where’s your papers?’ Is that what we’ve come to?” These comments have reverberated across social media, igniting a firestorm of both support and criticism.
Rogan’s remarks come nearly two years after he publicly endorsed Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, a move that surprised some given the podcast host’s earlier reputation for independent commentary. In the months leading up to the election, Rogan praised Elon Musk’s influence on his decision and hosted Trump on his show for what many described as a friendly interview. Trump’s platform prominently featured strict immigration policies, which included intensified enforcement by ICE, a division of the Department of Homeland Security.
The juxtaposition of Rogan’s recent condemnation and his previous support has drawn sharp criticism online. Many users on X (formerly Twitter) accused him of hypocrisy, arguing that he helped normalize and promote the very policies and political figures now under scrutiny. “Not only did Joe Rogan vote for everything happening today, but he actively laundered Donald Trump’s image,” one comment read, reflecting a widespread sentiment among detractors. Others acknowledged the validity of Rogan’s critique but questioned whether he fully grasped his own complicity in enabling the current state of immigration enforcement.
The controversy highlights a broader national conversation about ICE’s role and tactics. The agency has faced longstanding criticism from civil rights groups such as the American Civil Liberties Union for its aggressive raids and detentions, which sometimes ensnare innocent individuals or bystanders. Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection shows that immigration enforcement has intensified in recent years, fueling debates over human rights and national security.
Supporters of Rogan’s recent stance praise him for breaking with his previous political alignment to call out what they see as overreach. They argue that his platform, which reaches millions, could help shift public opinion on immigration enforcement practices. However, critics remain skeptical, viewing the comments as a strategic distancing from an increasingly unpopular aspect of the Trump administration’s legacy.
As the discussion continues, Rogan’s comments serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between media figures, political power, and public policy. Whether his critique signals a genuine change of heart or a calculated move remains a topic of debate among his audience and political observers alike.
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