President Donald Trump reportedly took an unexpected step Saturday, signing an executive order aimed at accelerating research into psychedelic-based treatments for mental health disorders, with a particular focus on struggling veterans.
Joined in the Oval Office by podcaster Joe Rogan and several top health officials, Trump framed the move as a chance to offer relief to Americans dealing with severe anxiety and depression—conditions that have become all too common, especially among those who have served the country.
“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,” Trump said during the signing.
The order directs the Food and Drug Administration to speed up its review process for new treatments that are already in advanced stages of clinical trials. While the policy applies broadly, the administration emphasized its potential impact on veterans, many of whom continue to face long-term psychological effects tied to their service.
Rogan, who has at times been openly critical of Trump—particularly over the recent U.S. operation in Iran—said the initiative grew out of a simple exchange. After learning about emerging psychedelic therapies during a podcast taping, Rogan sent information directly to the president.
“I sent him that information,” Rogan said. “The text message that came back: ‘Sounds great. Do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.’ Literally that quick.”
Among the treatments highlighted was Ibogaine, a psychedelic drug used in other countries to address symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Trump indicated that his administration intends to “open the pathway” for such treatments to be considered under the Right to Try Act, a law he signed during his first term that allows terminally ill patients to access experimental therapies still under federal review.
Top health officials were on hand to reinforce the urgency behind the initiative. Martin Makary noted that the administration is working to dramatically shorten approval timelines for certain drugs aligned with national priorities.
“Under this new program in this administration, drugs can get approved in weeks, not a year or year plus, but in weeks,” Makary said, adding that the program currently includes 18 vouchers, with three more expected to be added soon.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services administrator Mehmet Oz also attended the ceremony, signaling broad backing within the administration.
The push comes against a sobering backdrop. According to a recent Pentagon report, 471 U.S. service members died by suicide in 2024, with more than 1,500 attempts recorded. While the rate among active-duty troops declined slightly, suicides increased among reserve and National Guard members—an unsettling reminder of the lingering human cost tied to years of military strain.
Trump also used the moment to promote his broader healthcare agenda, including efforts to reduce drug prices through initiatives like “Most Favored Nation” and the TrumpRX.com platform.
For an administration often defined by hardline positions abroad, Saturday’s announcement reflected a different emphasis—one centered on the long-term consequences faced by those who serve. While the policy’s success will ultimately depend on results, the urgency behind it underscores a growing recognition that the toll of conflict does not end when troops return home.
