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(The Hill) – In a significant move from the Oval Office on Saturday, President Trump, along with podcast host Joe Rogan and others, signed an executive order aimed at speeding up research into psychedelic drugs for mental health treatment.
“Today’s directive is a pivotal step toward helping individuals burdened with severe symptoms find a path to recovery and a more fulfilling life,” Trump stated.
This order mandates the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to fast-track the evaluation of innovative therapies, focusing particularly on aiding veterans who grapple with anxiety and depression. The initiative zeroes in on certain psychedelics currently undergoing advanced clinical trials.
Rogan, who became aware of these innovative treatments through his podcast, shared the details with Trump.
“I forwarded him the information. His response was immediate: ‘Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s make it happen.’ It was that swift,” remarked Rogan, who has recently voiced criticism of the president regarding U.S. operations in Iran, during his White House visit on Saturday.
Trump highlighted Ibogaine, a psychedelic drug used in other countries to treat the effects of PTSD, during his remarks. He added that the administration will be “opening the pathway” for the drug to be included under the Right to Try Act, which he signed into law in 2018.
This law allows terminally ill patients to participate in clinical trials for treatments that are still under FDA review.
FDA Commissioner Martin Makary, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Mehmet Oz were also present during the signing ceremony.
“Under this new program in this administration, drugs can get approved in weeks, not a year or year plus, but in weeks, if they are in line with our national priorities,” Makary said.
He later noted that the program currently has 18 vouchers, and the administration will add three more next week.
“This is an unmet public health need, and there are potentially promising treatments,” Makary continued. “That’s why there’s a sense of urgency around this. That’s why we’re doing it now.”
In 2024, 471 U.S. service members died by suicide and 1,515 attempts were reported, according to the Pentagon’s annual suicide report released earlier this month. While the 2024 suicide rate among active-duty members decreased from the previous year, the department reported an uptick in suicides among members of the reserve units and the National Guard.
Trump also touted his “Most Favored Nation” initiative and TrumpRX.com platform during the event Saturday, boasting of his administration’s efforts to lower drug costs.