President Trump cut through decades of federal red tape on Saturday by signing an executive order in the Oval Office that accelerates research and access to promising psychedelic therapies for America’s veterans battling PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, depression, and addiction.
The move prioritizes results for those who served, putting veteran lives ahead of outdated bureaucratic barriers that have lingered since the 1970 Controlled Substances Act.
Trump highlighted the grim reality facing veterans, noting that since 9/11 the country has lost over 21 times more veteran lives to suicide than on the battlefield. He framed the order as direct action to deliver new hope where traditional approaches have fallen short.
Accelerating Medical Treatments for Serious Mental Illness??@JoeRogan: "For 56 years we've lived under those terrible conditions. We're free of that now. Thanks to all these people… and thanks to President Trump." https://t.co/j1tkGACSM7 pic.twitter.com/aQmZl3z4PG
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 18, 2026
The executive order directs the FDA to expedite reviews of psychedelics including ibogaine, establishes protocols for safe therapeutic use, clears pathways under the Right to Try law, improves data sharing with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and allocates resources for expanded studies.
? JUST IN: President Trump, flanked by Joe Rogan, has signed an executive order EXPEDITING FDA reviews of psychadelics, in support of veterans
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) April 18, 2026
"Since 9/11, we've lost over 21x more veteran lives to suicide than on the battlefield… and today, we're bringing them new hope."… pic.twitter.com/8wfs6hvKqS
It targets substances already showing potential in advanced clinical stages while focusing on veteran care.
Joe Rogan, who has long platformed veteran stories and emerging research on these treatments, stood with Trump during the signing.
Rogan referenced the long-standing restrictions and credited the president: “For 56 years we’ve lived under those terrible conditions. We’re free of that now. Thanks to all these people… and thanks to President Trump.”
Rogan added context on how the process unfolded, explaining he sent Trump information on the treatments after hearing from advocates. The response was swift: “Sounds great, do you want FDA approval? Let’s do it.” Rogan recounted the exchange, underscoring how the order turns conversation into concrete policy.
Ibogaine, derived from the iboga plant native to Central Africa, has gained attention from veterans and researchers for its potential to address severe PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and opioid addiction.
Clinics in countries like Mexico have drawn U.S. veterans seeking relief when standard therapies provided limited results. Preliminary studies suggest it may help interrupt addiction cycles and reduce trauma-related symptoms by affecting neural pathways, though larger U.S. trials have been constrained by its Schedule I status under the 1970 law.
Other psychedelics such as psilocybin and MDMA are also seeing expanded research interest for treatment-resistant mental health conditions. The order does not immediately reschedule these substances but removes unnecessary hurdles, boosts clinical trial guidance, and opens federal funding doors to gather more data on safety and efficacy for veterans and others suffering from debilitating symptoms.
Trump emphasized practical outcomes: “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. They’ve been through so much.”
He added that he has “a real love for our veterans” and believes American patients deserve access to breakthrough treatments without endless delays.
“I don't have time to be depressed. You know, if you stay busy enough, maybe that works too. That's what I do.”
— RAW EGG NATIONALIST (@Babygravy9) April 18, 2026
Just stop being depressed. It’s not that hard. Get some sun, eat high-quality animal foods, lift weights and the bad feelings will all go away. pic.twitter.com/tlFt9NOtIW
Attendees included Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Dr. Mehmet Oz, and Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell. Luttrell told Trump the move would “save a lot of lives.”
This action focuses federal efforts on those who sacrificed for the country rather than preserving regulatory inertia that critics say has prolonged suffering. While some legacy outlets question the approach, the order prioritizes rigorous study and veteran-centered outcomes over maintaining the status quo that left many without options.
By fast-tracking reviews and clearing bureaucratic obstacles, the administration is betting on evidence from real-world use and early data to potentially expand tools available to heal those with treatment-resistant conditions.
The Full signing event is below:
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