Joe Rogan gives unfiltered reaction to Pete Hegseth's controversial tattoo, commends Piers Morgan for "exposing" critics: "His lane is Jerry Springer"

Joe Rogan has weighed in on the Pete Hegseth tattoo controversy. Additionally, Rogan commended British media personality Piers Morgan for purportedly "exposing" those who espouse allegedly extremist views.

On his talk show, Piers Morgan Uncensored, Morgan recently hosted deemed left-wing and deemed right-wing political analysts. The debate panel included media personality Wajahat Ali, Democratic Party strategist Julie Roginsky, as well as political commentators Michael Knowles and Dave Rubin.

The Republican Party's Donald Trump, America's current president, picked military veteran and media personality Pete Hegseth as his nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense. Hegseth was tasked with proving his merit in confirmation hearings to achieve the federal position.

Piers Morgan and his guests addressed it. The allegations of alcohol abuse, financial mismanagement, sexual impropriety, and more against Hegseth were also discussed.

Per The New York Times, some critics allege that Hegseth's books and tattoos implicitly support Christian nationalism, allegedly perpetuate anti-Islamic sentiments, and supposedly deem the Muslim community as incompatible with American values.

Watch the Piers Morgan Uncensored segment below (9:00-17:00):

On episode #2260 of Joe Rogan's JRE (Joe Rogan Experience) podcast, Rogan hosted American scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman. Rogan explained that the supposedly left-leaning debate panelists on Morgan's show presented the tattoos as radical/hateful symbols.

Rogan lauded Michael Knowles for explaining that the tattoos, one being the Jerusalem Cross and another the phrase 'Deus Vult' (God wills it), were ancient Christian symbols. The UFC commentator noted that the Christian symbols predate Islam and weren't anti-Islamic because the Muslim community hadn't been founded back then.

Rogan stated:

"He's [Morgan's] like the Jerry Springer of political ideology now. He just has people get on the show and yell at each other. It's very entertaining, and he gets great soundbites out of it. It's kind of genius in terms of like, an engagement perspective."

Fridman implied he'd like Morgan to steer clear of the supposedly controversial Jerry Springer-esque presentations:

"I wish he did less of that. I should say that Piers Morgan, I think, is a great interviewer. Like, he's legit a great interviewer. But he also has -- he can put on his Jerry Springer hat on too."

Nevertheless, Rogan seemed to lightheartedly liken Morgan to Springer, albeit praising him for highlighting those who allegedly spread socio-political misinformation:

"He's making money ... He's found his lane. His lane is Jerry Springer. But he's doing a good job exposing these people. It's very valuable. Like, that conversation was very valuable for me because I was like, this is adorable, watching this guy flounder around trying to come up with a reason why this tattoo is so offensive."

Watch Rogan's assessment below (50:01):

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Piers Morgan's show of support for Joe Rogan

Piers Morgan has long been considered a prominent public personality and journalist in his native, England. Akin to America's Joe Rogan, Morgan has faced criticism for some of his socio-political assertions.

In 2022, several celebrities, including famous singers, called for Joe Rogan's deplatforming from Spotify over alleged COVID-19 misinformation, racist remarks, and more. Morgan was one of the well-known celebrities who supported the JRE host.

Furthermore, Morgan again expressed his respect for Rogan in 2024. In response to a post on X suggesting that he should go on Rogan's podcast, the Englishman praisingly wrote:

"I would love to! He's brilliant. cc @joerogan"