Joe Rogan didn’t hold back his disappointment with President Donald Trump’s response to filmmaker Rob Reiner’s tragic death.
The popular podcaster called out Trump’s controversial Truth Social post during a recent episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, saying someone should have taken the president’s phone away.
It’s a rare moment of direct criticism from Rogan toward Trump, and it reveals just how far beyond acceptable boundaries many believe Trump crossed this time.
Reiner’s death earlier this month shocked Hollywood and fans worldwide—but Trump’s reaction shocked even his supporters.
Trump’s Shocking Truth Social Post
Following news of Reiner’s death, Trump posted a statement on Truth Social that immediately drew outrage.
He claimed Reiner’s death was “reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as TRUMP DERANGEMENT SYNDROME, sometimes referred to as TDS.”
The post seemed to mock Reiner’s passing while simultaneously attacking his character. Trump doubled down during an Oval Office press conference, calling Reiner a “deranged person” who “hurt himself career-wise.”
I think he hurt himself career-wise; he became like a deranged person, Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Few expected such pointed commentary immediately following someone’s death—especially given the tragic circumstances surrounding Reiner’s passing.
Rogan’s Blunt Assessment
During his podcast episode with comedian Shane Gillis, Rogan didn’t mince words about Trump’s behavior.
The Rob Reiner thing is not funny. When you see it with no empathy, that’s when it’s hard to like.
Rogan drew parallels to people who celebrated when conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was shot, emphasizing that celebrating or mocking anyone’s death crosses fundamental lines of decency.
Listen, there’s no justification for what he did that makes any sense in a compassionate society. It’s no different than people that were celebrating when Charlie Kirk got shot. It’s the same kind of thing.
Imagining Role Reversal
Rogan asked listeners to imagine if former President Obama had made similar comments about someone who died.
Imagine if Obama tweeted something about someone after they died in this way. That this person was a deranged person that hated Obama. It just shows you how crazy it is, the way Trump thinks and talks.
The comparison highlighted what Rogan sees as a dangerous double standard and normalization of behavior that would have ended any other politician’s career.
Acknowledging the Tragic Circumstances
Rogan specifically referenced the horrific nature of Reiner’s death, making Trump’s response seem even more callous.
It’s just like, the guy got sliced up by his kid, you know? Anybody that doesn’t see that and go, ‘Fuck, man.’
His point was simple: regardless of political disagreements, basic human decency demands respect in death—especially under such tragic circumstances.
Deep Disappointment from a Complex Relationship
Rogan expressed feeling “so disappointed” by Trump’s actions, particularly because saying such things publicly differs vastly from private thoughts.
It’s like why… if you say that privately, that’s one thing, which is also crazy, but it’s so disappointing.
Rogan’s relationship with Trump has been complicated. He’s interviewed Trump, expressed some support for certain positions, yet maintained independence in his views.
This criticism demonstrates Rogan won’t defend behavior he finds indefensible, regardless of political alignment.
Bipartisan Backlash
Rogan wasn’t alone in condemning Trump’s remarks. Even staunch Trump allies spoke out against the president’s comments.
GOP Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie both publicly criticized Trump’s handling of Reiner’s death—a remarkable break from typically loyal supporters.
When figures known for defending Trump draw the line, it signals just how universally unacceptable his comments were perceived to be.
Why This Matters Beyond Politics
Rogan’s criticism highlights something deeper than partisan disagreement. It touches on fundamental questions about empathy, compassion, and societal norms.
When public figures mock the dead—especially those who died tragically—it erodes basic standards of human decency that transcend politics.
- Normalization of cruelty: Repeated exposure to harsh rhetoric can desensitize society to fundamental compassion
- Tribal loyalty over humanity: Political affiliation shouldn’t override basic respect for human suffering
- Leadership accountability: Presidents set cultural tones that ripple through society
Rogan’s willingness to call out behavior he finds wrong—even from someone he’s supported in certain contexts—demonstrates the importance of maintaining personal ethical standards above political tribalism.
His comments serve as a reminder that some lines shouldn’t be crossed, regardless of political differences or personal animosity. Death demands dignity, and tragedy requires empathy—principles that should unite rather than divide.