Joe Rogan Criticizes Australian Gun Laws, Calls Country a 'Cage'

Podcaster Joe Rogan has once again voiced strong criticism of Australia's gun control policies, labeling the country a "cage" and suggesting its government has become overly controlling due to its strict firearm restrictions.

Rogan's comments, made in a podcast earlier this year with comedian Kurt Metzger, specifically targeted Australia's 1996 gun buyback scheme, enacted after the Port Arthur massacre where 35 people were killed. Rogan claimed the government misled the public and that these measures have empowered authorities to "lock them up for anything they want."

Metzger, who was also a guest on the podcast, characterized Australia as a "cage" and speculated that the Port Arthur massacre might have been "government run."

The sweeping reforms following the 1996 massacre saw a ban on various firearms and a large-scale buyback program, resulting in over 650,000 weapons being surrendered. A similar National Gun Buyback Scheme was also announced after the 2025 Bondi massacre, which resulted in 15 fatalities, with owners of newly banned firearms paid to surrender their weapons starting November 2, under the Terrorism and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2025.

Rogan has consistently been critical of Australia's government policies, including its COVID-19 lockdown measures and censorship laws. He previously stated in 2024 that he would never move to Australia, citing his concerns about personal freedoms, which he linked to the country's gun laws.

During a conversation with retired mixed martial arts fighter Royce Gracie in 2024, Rogan recalled his initial consideration of Australia as an alternative to the U.S. but changed his mind after observing the country's response to the pandemic. He likened the strict measures to "concentration camps" and criticized the government's handling of the situation, including the deployment of helicopters to enforce lockdowns.

However, not all guests have echoed Rogan's criticisms. In a previous podcast appearance, Oscar-winning actor Russell Crowe defended Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, describing the political environment as a "conga line of stupidity" but praising Albanese as a leader motivated to help his constituents. Crowe credited Albanese with improving lives and attributed opposition to political rivals and media figures.

Rogan has previously acknowledged positive aspects of Australia, describing it as a "rugged place" with "fun" people, but consistently expresses concern about what he perceives as an "oppressive government."