Joe Rogan Criticizes Trump’s “Nuts” Settlement Plan

Joe Rogan criticized President Donald Trump over the reported $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, calling the arrangement “crazy” and “nuts” during the May 25 episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience.” Rogan’s comments centered on reports that the fund would be tied to Trump’s decision to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS over leaked tax return information. The reported deal has sparked sharp backlash from Democrats, ethics watchdogs and some conservatives who say it could direct taxpayer money toward Trump allies.

During a conversation with comedian Tom Segura, Rogan questioned why a sitting president would support a taxpayer-funded settlement linked to claims of political targeting by federal agencies. He compared the situation to a person accused of murder who is later cleared but then seeks to prevent any future prosecution. Rogan said that kind of arrangement was “nuts,” and also objected to reports that the deal could shield Trump from future IRS audits. While Rogan said he still believes outside actors influenced the January 6 Capitol riot, he said he opposed the idea of “a large sum of money from the federal government essentially being handed over to the current head of said government.”

The Department of Justice announced the arrangement on May 18, saying it was intended to address alleged political abuse during the Biden administration. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the deal, saying the machinery of government should never be weaponized against Americans and that the DOJ aimed to correct past wrongs while preventing similar abuses in the future. According to the department, the Anti-Weaponization Fund would receive $1.776 billion through the federal judgment fund, a mechanism often used to settle government cases. The DOJ also said quarterly reports would be sent to the attorney general outlining recipients and compensation.

Trump has argued the agreement would cost him personally, saying he would be giving up “a lot of money.” But the deal quickly became a political flashpoint. The House Democrats’ Litigation Task Force filed a motion to block what it called an unconstitutional taxpayer-funded settlement. Representative Jamie Raskin described the arrangement as “pure fraud and highway robbery,” claiming it was designed to move taxpayer dollars into a fund that Trump could use to benefit his own political supporters.

Ethics groups also denounced the proposal. Donald K. Sherman, president of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, called it a “brazen act of self-dealing” and said the administration appeared to be moving quickly to avoid judicial scrutiny. He warned that the settlement could violate the Constitution’s Domestic Emoluments Clause and described it as one of the most corrupt acts in presidential history.

The controversy has intensified criticism of Trump’s handling of the settlement and raised broader questions about the use of federal funds, political influence and accountability in government.