Rogan Accuses Trump of Using Lake Rename to Distract From Iran War

Podcast host Joe Rogan accused President Donald Trump of renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America as a distraction from the ongoing U.S. war with Iran, a claim made during a Tuesday episode of his show that highlighted growing criticism of the administration's actions from a prominent supporter. Rogan, who endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential election, made the comments during a conversation with comedian Brian Simpson on "The Joe Rogan Experience," which aired on September 2, 2026. "It's to distract you from the fact that we're in a war we can't win in Iran," Rogan said, according to multiple reports. "It doesn't make any sense. Like, who cares? It's Lake Ontario. It's a good name. We've had that name forever." Simpson agreed, suggesting the move was an example of politicians creating problems to solve so the public feels they are being active. The remarks came days after Trump signed an executive order on August 27 directing federal agencies to use "Lake America" in official geographic references. The order instructs the Secretary of the Interior, in coordination with the U.S.