Share and Follow
On Saturday, President Trump took a significant step forward for mental health treatment by signing an executive order in the Oval Office with the company of podcaster Joe Rogan and several others. The order aims to fast-track research into certain psychedelic drugs that have shown promise in treating mental health disorders.
President Trump emphasized the potential impact of this initiative, stating, “Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life.” This move specifically focuses on aiding veterans who struggle with anxiety and depression, a demographic that stands to benefit greatly from expedited access to innovative treatments.
Under this directive, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is tasked with accelerating the review process for new therapies, especially those involving psychedelic substances that are already in advanced clinical trials. Such measures could potentially bring these drugs to market more swiftly, offering hope to many who are in need.
Joe Rogan, known for his influential podcast, played a pivotal role in bringing attention to these treatments. During a podcast episode, he learned about the potential benefits of psychedelics and subsequently shared this information with President Trump. “I sent him that information,” Rogan recounted. “The text message that came back: ‘Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.’ Literally that quick,” he shared during a White House event, despite having recently criticized the president over U.S. operations in Iran.
“I sent him that information. The text message that came back: ‘Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.’ Literally that quick,” the podcaster, who has been critical of the president in recent weeks over the U.S. operation in Iran, said Saturday at the White House.
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.