- Joe Rogan publicly criticized planned ICE raids, asking, “Are we going to be the Gestapo?”
- The remark was highlighted on CNN’s The Lead by Jake Tapper as a high-profile break with President Trump’s enforcement approach.
- Rogan’s comment adds a celebrity voice to the debate over immigration raids and civil liberties.
- Media coverage focused on the contrast between the former president’s rhetoric and Rogan’s concern about tactics.
H2: Joe Rogan’s on-air reaction
Comedian and podcaster Joe Rogan sharply questioned recent plans for large-scale ICE enforcement during a brief segment covered on CNN’s The Lead. Rogan asked, “Are we going to be the Gestapo?” — a pointed comparison that critics say underscores fears about aggressive immigration tactics.
Jake Tapper discussed Rogan’s remarks on The Lead, highlighting how the celebrity’s comment represents a notable public break with President Trump’s approach to immigration enforcement. Watch the CNN clip here: https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/13/politics/video/president-trump-ice-raids-joe-rogan-lead-jake-tapper
H3: Context — What prompted the comment
The remark came amid renewed attention on planned ICE raids and broader federal immigration enforcement policies tied to the Trump administration’s directives. As national debate intensifies around how and where ICE conducts operations, high-profile reactions from public figures like Rogan are drawing more mainstream coverage.
Rogan’s critique focuses on tactics he sees as heavy-handed and potentially dangerous to civil liberties. By invoking the term “Gestapo,” he framed the issue in stark terms, arguing that enforcement should not resemble paramilitary or secret police conduct.
H4: Media reaction and political impact
News anchors and political commentators quickly picked up Rogan’s comment, discussing both the substance and the optics. Jake Tapper’s segment framed the exchange as an example of a public figure breaking with a former president’s tougher posture on immigration enforcement — an angle that could influence public conversation beyond traditional political circles.
Some analysts say celebrity critiques can shift media coverage and public perception, especially when they raise civil liberties concerns. Others caution that invoking extreme historical analogies can inflame debate and obscure policy specifics.
H4: Why this matters
The exchange matters for two reasons: it shows how immigration policy and enforcement tactics now draw commentary from wide cultural corners — including podcasters with large followings — and it highlights ongoing tensions about the balance between law enforcement and civil rights.
As the administration continues to announce and defend enforcement strategies, expect further high-profile reactions. Coverage from outlets like CNN and discussions led by anchors such as Jake Tapper will likely shape how the public understands the scope and conduct of future ICE operations.
H5: Where to watch
CNN ran a short segment on the exchange as part of The Lead. Viewers can watch the clip on CNN’s site: https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/13/politics/video/president-trump-ice-raids-joe-rogan-lead-jake-tapper
Image Referance: https://www.cnn.com/2026/01/13/politics/video/president-trump-ice-raids-joe-rogan-lead-jake-tapper
