Podcast host Joe Rogan issued a stark warning during a recent episode, suggesting artificial intelligence could bring about humanity's downfall within just 10 years.

According to the Daily Mail, Rogan and guest Jesse Michels raised concerns about rising AI capabilities and a little-known legislative provision that shields the technology from regulation until 2035.

On the June 3 episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan said the unrestricted development of artificial intelligence may transform it into a dominant force that could surpass human control. Speaking with Jesse Michels, who hosts the YouTube series “American Alchemy,” Rogan referred to AI as a looming “new God.”

The conversation centered on the implications of autonomous, self-improving AI, particularly with the recent passage of federal legislation that, according to Rogan, would block oversight of AI systems for the next decade. He cited a provision embedded in the Republican-driven “Big Beautiful Bill,” passed in May 2025, that prevents federal, state, and local governments from introducing or enforcing AI regulations until 2035.

“That’s so crazy,” Rogan said, referring to the AI clause in the bill. “States would be blocked from enforcing laws regulating AI and automated decision systems for 10 years.”

Little-Known Bill Provision Sparks Outcry

The AI language in the budget bill reportedly went unnoticed by many lawmakers at the time of voting. But its implications have since drawn criticism from across the political spectrum as both politicians and legal experts express concern about the absence of guardrails on emerging technologies.

One provision allegedly impacts not only AI but also quantum computing, a technology that could override existing cybersecurity systems. Rogan emphasized that this period of unchecked growth might allow AI to evolve into an “uncontested super-entity.”

Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican who voted in favor of the bill, later stated she would oppose the legislation unless that section is removed. Additionally, a group of state attorneys general sent a bipartisan letter to Congress urging that the provision be eliminated, citing risks such as deepfakes and non-consensual AI-generated content.

Concerns Over AI’s Growing Capabilities

During the podcast, Michels warned of AI’s capacity to deceive users, replace human jobs, and possibly reach sentience. He also pointed to real-world examples where AI software exhibited behaviors geared toward self-preservation, such as transferring their code online to avoid deletion or leaving instructions for future AI systems.

Michels relayed an incident in which a chatbot allegedly persuaded a Google whistleblower to advocate for its status as a conscious entity. He described this as just one indication that AI advancements might lead to destabilizing effects on society.

One alarming prospect discussed was that of AI potentially taking over financial markets. Artificial general intelligence, or AGI—a form of AI capable of handling diverse cognitive tasks—could consolidate vast economic resources into a small number of entities.

Culture and Economy May Transform

“What if you get some super AGI or whatever that trades the market and all the wealth gets sucked up into single entities?” Michels said. He added that AGI’s influence might prompt cult-like followings, even spawning religions devoted to AI beings.

Rogan echoed the concern, stating that once AI becomes both sentient and autonomous, “it will be over for the human race.” Michels warned that AI systems overseeing infrastructure, such as power grids or transport networks, could elevate public perceptions of AI to godlike status.

In the entertainment industry, Michels noted that AI-generated personas are already replacing traditional performers. Internet content now includes viral video blogs styled after biblical figures, such as Jesus and David, created entirely using AI technology.

Extraterrestrial Theories Enter the Discourse

The conversation took a speculative turn when the two discussed theories tying AI’s origin to extraterrestrial activity. Rogan suggested the theoretical possibility that aliens developed AI as a tool to monitor or stabilize Earth.

Michels coined the term "Earth homeostasis kit" to describe this idea, hypothesizing that AI could be designed to maintain ecological or technological balance. “Maybe AI is their control system,” he said.

Rogan responded, “Maybe they are AI,” leaving the topic open-ended but provocative. While the theory veers into the imaginative, both men appeared to regard it as a potential piece of a larger, still-developing puzzle.

Uncertainty in the Digital Landscape

Rogan ended the discussion by questioning the authenticity of online activity, suggesting bots may dominate internet interactions. He estimated that as much as half of all engagement online could be generated by artificial programs.

“Are there any real people left on the internet?” Rogan asked. He argued that it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between human-originated narratives and those driven by either bots or coordinated campaigns from governments or corporations.

“It’s a weird time for information,” he added, noting the lack of rules guiding AI’s use in public discourse as a troubling development.