The Hill February 13, 2026

Joe Rogan: Epstein Files 'Scare the Hell Out of Me'

Key Takeaways

▶ Joe Rogan told Black Rifle Coffee Company chair Evan Hafer that the Epstein files 'scare the s--- out of me' and called them 'definitely not a hoax.'
▶ Rogan's name appeared in a 2017 email where Epstein asked physicist Lawrence Krauss to introduce them after seeing Krauss on Rogan's show. Krauss tried but Rogan never responded, and no meeting occurred.
▶ The podcast episode aired as the files had already forced out executives at Goldman Sachs and DP World, and triggered congressional subpoenas for Les Wexner and Lord Mandelson.
▶ Rogan hosts one of the most-listened-to podcasts in the world, amplifying public attention to the Epstein document releases.

Joe Rogan said the Epstein files “scare the s--- out of me” and called them “definitely not a hoax” during his podcast this week, according to The Hill.¹

“This is the one that I hate the most,” Rogan told Black Rifle Coffee Company chair Evan Hafer, according to The Hill.¹

The comments came days after Rogan’s own name appeared in the files — specifically in a September 2017 email exchange where Epstein asked physicist Lawrence Krauss to introduce them after seeing Krauss on Rogan’s show. Krauss attempted the introduction but reported back that Rogan was unresponsive. No meeting or direct contact between Rogan and Epstein ever occurred.¹⁵ Rogan hosts one of the most-listened-to podcasts in the world.

Context

Rogan’s comments were broadcast to millions of listeners as documents continued to name individuals in connection with the convicted sex trafficker.¹

The file releases have been followed by the departure of Goldman Sachs top lawyer Kathryn Ruemmler, a former White House counsel, and DP World chairman Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, who appeared more than 4,700 times in the documents.²³ Congress has subpoenaed billionaire Leslie Wexner, described in documents as Epstein’s financial client, and Lord Mandelson, the former UK ambassador.¹ Rep. Thomas Massie named six individuals on the House floor whose identities remain officially redacted.⁴

Attorney General Pam Bondi continues facing congressional pressure over the scope of redactions.¹

Rogan’s comments reflect growing public attention to the Epstein files and the ongoing debate over full document disclosure.