Joe Rogan didn’t mince words. Reflecting on Canada’s political landscape, he openly questioned how a nation he deeply admired could repeatedly choose a path he considered detrimental. The conversation, sparked during a podcast with hunting enthusiast Cameron Hanes, quickly turned to the aftermath of the 2022 “Freedom Convoy” and the subsequent Liberal government response, which Rogan labeled “insane.”
He revealed a direct attempt to engage Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, extending an invitation to appear on the wildly popular Joe Rogan Experience. The offer, however, was declined. Rogan claimed Poilievre’s team, advised by cautious strategists, deemed the appearance “too problematic.” Jordan Peterson, a friend of Rogan’s, reportedly confirmed this assessment.
Rogan expressed genuine curiosity about the state of Canada, outlining the simple questions he would have posed to Poilievre: “What’s wrong with Canada? How did this happen?” He envisioned a straightforward discussion, a chance to understand the forces shaping the nation. He admitted his lack of deep political knowledge, framing the potential interview as a fascinating exploration.
This wasn’t the first time Rogan’s platform had been used to influence an election. His interview with Donald Trump before the 2024 U.S. election was widely believed to have swayed voters. The potential impact of a conversation with Poilievre was clearly recognized, both by Rogan and by Poilievre’s team.
The decision to avoid American media wasn’t arbitrary. Poilievre’s team believed they had enough challenges navigating the Canadian media landscape and feared a backlash for speaking with conservative voices in the United States. They aimed to control the narrative within Canada, prioritizing domestic engagement.
Rogan’s criticism extended beyond Trudeau. He openly dismissed Mark Carney, the former Bank of Canada governor who later led the Liberal party, as “just as bad.” He questioned the legitimacy of a leader chosen by a small group, lamenting the direction Canada seemed to be taking.
The turning point for Rogan appeared to be the government’s handling of the 2022 trucker protest. He described it as a moment of profound disappointment, vowing to avoid Canada until a change in leadership occurred. He voiced a deep affection for the Canadian people, but a scathing condemnation of their government.
“I love Canadians, I just hate their government,” he stated bluntly. He repeatedly championed Poilievre as a voice of reason, praising his “common sense” approach and his willingness to challenge the current administration. Rogan’s frustration was palpable, fueled by a fear of creeping authoritarianism.
He went further, declaring Canada was “sliding down that dangerous road of communism,” a statement that underscored his deep concern. He refused to travel north of the border, demanding a complete “overhaul of government” before considering a return. His words weren’t just commentary; they were a passionate plea for a nation he believed was losing its way.
Rogan’s frustration wasn’t confined to podcasts. He publicly urged Canadians to “get your s* together!” and “come back to what you used to be,” directly endorsing Poilievre as the solution. It was a bold, unequivocal statement from a figure with immense influence, a clear signal of his disillusionment with the current state of affairs in Canada.
