Podcast host Joe Rogan recently praised the shutdown of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) following an investigation led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
On a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan described the move as a necessary step in eliminating what he called “weird, shady s—” within the federal government.
Joe Rogan on the Crazy USAID Spending Being Uncovered. Unreal. https://t.co/irMqOk1E4z via @YouTube
— Anna Atlas (@AnnaAtlasBTC) February 7, 2025
The DOGE investigation reportedly uncovered wasteful spending within USAID, including a $1.5 million program focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in Serbia and a $70,000 grant for a DEI-themed musical in Ireland.
These findings led President Donald Trump to announce the agency’s shutdown, arguing that its $40 billion budget was being mismanaged.
Rogan commended Musk’s efforts, highlighting what he called a “business approach” to government spending. He argued that agencies like USAID often operate without accountability, funneling taxpayer dollars into unnecessary programs.
Rogan suggested that eliminating wasteful expenditures is crucial to restoring fiscal responsibility in Washington.
The decision to shut down USAID has sparked debate. Supporters see it as a long-overdue reform that will ensure that government funds are used efficiently. Critics warn that abruptly dismantling a key international aid agency could negatively affect global development and U.S. foreign policy.
Rogan’s remarks have added fuel to the broader conversation about government oversight, with many questioning whether further cuts to federal agencies could be on the horizon.
