President Donald Trump's executive order to accelerate psychedelic therapy research drew bipartisan praise from Congress, cabinet officials, state leaders, advocacy groups, and celebrities.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) endorsed FDA approval of alternative mental health therapies. Sen. Tim Sheehy (R-MT) called it "a massive leap forward for veterans' healthcare." Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) noted the EO directs HHS and the FDA to partner with the VA and private sector on clinical trials; he and Sen. Ruben Gallego had already introduced S. 4031 to that end. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), who introduced a bipartisan Right to Try bill in 2022 targeting federal barriers to Schedule I drugs, praised the order. Rep. Lou Correa (D-CA) cited potential applications including PTSD, alcoholism, drug addiction, and Alzheimer's. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) said the order fast-tracks ibogaine and other psychedelic therapies for veterans with PTSD. Reps. Morgan Luttrell (R-TX), Michael McCaul (R-TX), John James (R-MI), and Tim Burchett (R-TN) also backed it.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said HHS will accelerate research, approval, and access to therapies including ibogaine, noting they could offer longer-lasting relief and that mental illness costs the country hundreds of billions of dollars annually. VA Secretary Doug Collins backed an all-of-the-above approach to veterans' mental health. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said the agency is moving proactively on new treatments. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mehmet Oz said the order fast-tracks access for 14 million Americans, crediting Joe Rogan for public advocacy. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also endorsed it.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said Trump followed California's lead on fast-tracking psychedelics research. Former Texas Gov. Rick Perry said: "This is a historic moment for our Veterans and for this country. I have seen firsthand the impact ibogaine can have on our warfighters. For too long, they have been forced to leave the United States to access care. That should never have been the case. Today is a major step toward correcting that." The Florida Republican Party also applauded the EO.
American Legion National Commander Wiley said: "There is hope that these psychedelic drugs will serve as a pathway to and promise of a brighter future for our veterans & their loved ones." Conor McGregor, citing partners Marcus Capone, Rob O'Neill, and Joe Rogan and his company Ambio, called ibogaine "the REAL DEAL." Nicki Minaj called the order a "Game Changer."
