"Both Zelenskyy and Putin fear Donald Trump" - JRE guest Lex Fridman makes astounding claim days after inauguration, Joe Rogan reacts

Donald Trump was, once again, a key topic on The Joe Rogan Experience. This time, it was on episode #2260 of the podcast, which featured computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman sharing his thoughts on the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and how Trump relates to it.

According to Fridman, Trump, the current United States President, is feared by both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. This apparent fear could play a key role in ending the Russo-Ukranian War, at least in Fridman's eyes.

"Whatever you think about Donald Trump, he is this person that world leaders respect in the full meaning of the word 'respect.' Not, like, admire, but fear. I think both Zelenskyy and Putin fear Donald Trump and that's a great person to then make peace, because he has the lever. All of them believe, Putin and Zelenskyy, that Trump can do some crazy sh*t."

Fridman suggested that the fear that Trump could retaliate in a manner that the Biden administration was never willing to may very well compel both Zelenskyy and Putin to take on a more cooperative stance. In response, the longtime UFC commentator said the following:

"And he probably would, but he doesn't want to, right? That's a very unique position that he's in, where they're afraid of him, but yet he wants peace."

Check out Lex Fridman and Joe Rogan's thoughts on Donald Trump's geopolitical role (20:49):

Rogan's enthusiasm and optimism for Trump's presidency is not uncommon in the combat sports community. In fact, he was one of several high-profile MMA figures, including Conor McGregor and UFC CEO Dana White, to attend the inauguration of Trump.

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When Joe Rogan prematurely credited Donald Trump with resolving the Israel-Hamas war

Last year, after Donald Trump secured his second term as United States President, a report emerged citing Hamas' desire for a ceasefire with Israel. This was quickly picked up by Joe Rogan, who took to X/Twitter with a screenshot of the article, attaching the following caption to his tweet:

"Well... will you look at that."

However, Rogan's implied praise was premature, as there was no ceasefire at the time, and many in the thread below his tweet pointed out that Hamas had been frequently calling for a ceasefire well before Trump had won the 2024 U.S. presidential elections.