Seven Highlights from Trump’s Joe Rogan Interview
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recently joined America’s top podcaster, Joe Rogan, for a lengthy and revealing interview. Over three hours, the former president opened up about a range of topics, from his regrets in office to his thoughts on extraterrestrial life.
Trump and Rogan, who previously declined to host Trump, seemed relaxed, connecting over common interests like UFC and friends like Elon Musk. With Rogan’s platform reaching millions of dedicated listeners, Trump’s campaign hopes this interview can boost his popularity among Rogan’s largely male audience. Below are seven key takeaways from the discussion.
1. Trump’s ‘Biggest Mistake’ in Office
Reflecting on his White House years, Trump pointed to hiring choices as his biggest misstep. He described some past advisers as “neocons or disloyal people,” mentioning former chief of staff John Kelly, whom he referred to as “a bully but a weak person,” and former National Security Adviser John Bolton, whom he called “an idiot” but noted he had occasional uses.
2. North Korea: ‘Go to the Beach, Relax’
Trump shared insights into his dealings with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, including a lighthearted suggestion to build condos and relax by the beach rather than amassing nuclear weapons. This, he claimed, helped maintain peace between the two nations during his presidency.
3. Ukraine and Russia
Trump claimed Russia would never have invaded Ukraine if he had been president, alleging that Russian President Vladimir Putin “doesn’t respect Biden at all.” He avoided specific details of his conversations with Putin, hinting that one day the Russian leader might disclose them himself.
4. Revisiting 2020 Election Claims
When pressed by Rogan for proof of his claims of voter fraud in the 2020 election, Trump insisted it was “the most crooked” election in history. Rogan challenged Trump to present evidence, which Trump deferred, shifting the conversation to allegations of bias against his campaign.
5. Kamala Harris and Allies
Trump labeled Vice President Kamala Harris as “very low IQ” and denounced California Governor Gavin Newsom as “one of the worst governors.” Meanwhile, he praised Elon Musk as “the greatest guy” and announced his intent to bring Robert F. Kennedy Jr. into a potential administration, even if they disagree on environmental policy.
6. Extraterrestrial Life
Addressing the possibility of alien life, Trump didn’t rule it out, mentioning pilots’ “very strange” sightings in the sky. Rogan countered by mentioning that probes on Mars haven’t detected life, but Trump speculated that we might be overlooking something.
7. Health and ‘The Apprentice’
When asked about his health, Trump avoided specifics but claimed doctors at Walter Reed Hospital were impressed by his treadmill test performance. He also revealed that NBC executives tried to dissuade him from running for president to keep his reality show, The Apprentice, on air, but Trump chose politics over TV fame.
Trump’s appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience signals his ongoing strategy to appeal to a wider audience, particularly through one of the most influential platforms in media.
