Joe Rogan claims Trump started Iran war to shift focus from Epstein Files: ‘Give them a new problem’

WASHINGTON, DC: Podcast host Joe Rogan recently suggested that Donald Trump may have initiated the war with Iran to divert attention from the reopening of the Epstein files.

Rogan made the remarks on his podcast, where he discussed the Iran conflict and its timing coinciding with the release of the files. Similar claims have been circulating more widely, with several public figures expressing skepticism about the war’s underlying purpose. 

Rogan links war timing to Epstein files discussion

During the episode, Rogan suggested that the war in Iran may have overlapped with increased scrutiny around documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein.

He made the claim after guest Arsenio Hall said “the story of American politics” is “misdirection,” in which politicians distract gullible citizens with one story to make them forget something even worse.

The veteran comedian and podcaster concurred and cited former President Bill Clinton, claiming he “bombed some other countries” in order to divert attention from the Monica Lewinsky affair.

The latest example, as per Rogan, is the Iran war. “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,” Rogan said. “You give them a new problem to think about.”

Trump’s Justice Department unsealed millions of files related to Epstein in 2025.

Earlier this year, one of those documents revealed how Trump thanked Florida cops for their work in investigating Epstein in 2006 and told them to "focus" on his “evil” accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell.

“Thank goodness you’re stopping him,” Trump allegedly told former Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter, according to the FBI file. “Everyone has known he’s been doing this.”

Rogan's remarks add to broader debate over Iran conflict

Rogan has previously criticized Trump’s handling of the Iran conflict, describing the war as inconsistent with hearlier political messaging.

In earlier discussions, he questioned the rationale behind the military action and its long-term implications.

Rogan condemned Trump for initiating Operation Epic Fury, calling it something that may lead to “World War III.”

“You’re making decisions for babies and children and the future of the world, and you’ve only got 10, maybe 10 years left on Earth if everything goes great,” he said. 

The podcaster also said, “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 stated at the time.

Trump has defended the decision to engage in the conflict, citing national security concerns and threats posed by Iran. However, critics have continued to question the justification and timing of the military action.

While Rogan supported Trump during the 2024 presidential election and invited him on his podcast even before the election period, he has now criticized the President multiple times about different issues, from his immigration policies to the war in Iran.