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Former President Donald Trump appeared on "The Joe Rogan Experience" podcast for nearly three hours on Friday. The episode, recorded in Austin, Texas, offered the Republican presidential nominee a platform to reach Rogan’s extensive audience, which includes 14.5 million followers on Spotify and 17.6 million subscribers on YouTube. As the most popular podcast host in the U.S., Rogan has a strong influence among young male voters, a demographic Trump is actively targeting.
Here are the main highlights from the episode that aired Friday.
Trump Asks Rogan About His Reputation: ‘You Said a Lot of Wild Stuff’
While discussing the process of selecting political appointees, Trump reflected on hiring John Bolton as his National Security Advisor, despite a warning from businessman Phil Ruffin, who told Trump that Bolton was a “bad guy.” Trump eventually fired Bolton in 2019, and Bolton has since been a vocal critic. “And he [Ruffin] was right,” Trump said, adding, “He’s a nut job… But he was good in a certain way.”
When Trump asked Rogan to explain his own popularity, Rogan responded, “You said a lot of wild stuff. … And then CNN, in all their brilliance, by highlighting your wild stuff, made you much more popular.”
Rogan: ‘The Rebels Are Republicans Now’
Rogan commented on shifting political identities, saying, “The rebels are Republicans now… You want to be punk rock, you want to buck the system? You’re a conservative now.” He added that liberals have become more inclined to “silencing criticism” and regulating free speech, describing it as “bananas to watch.”
Trump on North Korea’s Kim Jong Un
Recalling his exchanges with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Trump said, “I said, ‘Little Rocket Man, you’re going to burn in hell.’ And it was rough. … I got to know him better than anybody.” Trump also joked that he once suggested Kim “relax” and focus on “building some condos” instead of nuclear weapons.
Trump Discusses 'Make America Healthy Again' Initiative with RFK Jr.
Rogan praised Trump for his partnership with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative and asked if Kennedy would have a role in Trump’s administration. Trump replied, “Oh, I am, but I want to be a little careful about the environmental [policies]. … He doesn’t like oil. I love oil.” Rogan also noted concerns about toxic ingredients in American food that are banned in other countries, prompting Trump to affirm Kennedy’s dedication to health issues, even if it may clash with the interests of Big Pharma.
Trump Talks About Negotiating with the Taliban
Trump discussed his approach to peace talks with the Taliban, noting that under his administration, attacks on American soldiers had declined. He claimed he demanded action and had “a tough conversation,” leading to what he described as a reduction in violence against U.S. forces, adding that “even Biden admitted it in a moment of stupidity.”
The Possibility of Life on Mars
When asked about extraterrestrial life, Trump shared that he had spoken with jet pilots who reported seeing unidentified flying objects moving faster than F-22 fighter jets. He expressed openness to the idea of life beyond Earth, saying, “There’s no reason not to think that Mars and all these planets don’t have life.”
Trump Responds to Kamala Harris Comparing Him to Hitler
Finally, when Rogan asked about Vice President Kamala Harris’s comparison of Trump to Adolf Hitler, Trump called Harris a “very low IQ person,” dismissing her comments.
Here are additional takeaways from Trump's appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he shared insights on a range of topics from global politics to health initiatives:
Trump’s Reflections on the Media and His Rise to Fame
During the conversation, Rogan suggested that Trump's candid, often controversial comments helped propel his popularity. Rogan remarked that mainstream media’s extensive coverage of Trump’s “wild” statements helped him stand out from the typical political figure. Rogan observed, “CNN… made you much more popular… People were tired of that pre-prepared politician lingo.” Trump acknowledged that his direct approach may have played a role, saying, “I wasn’t even trying; maybe it just came naturally.”
‘Punk Rock’ Republicans and Shifts in Political Identity
In their discussion, Rogan and Trump explored the shifting political landscape, especially among younger, nonconformist voters. Rogan noted that the conservative movement, once associated with strict conventionalism, now has an anti-establishment appeal. He described conservatism today as “punk rock” and argued that liberals, traditionally champions of free speech, now often support online censorship and regulation, a shift that, according to Rogan, has surprised many.
Trump on North Korea’s Leadership Style
Trump recalled the intense dynamics of his interactions with Kim Jong Un, stating that his tough rhetoric, like calling Kim “Little Rocket Man,” was partly strategic. Trump mentioned that he tried to humanize his relationship with Kim by jokingly suggesting that he “build condos” and “take it easy.” He shared that Kim was open to dialogue, which Trump believed helped ease tensions with North Korea. According to Trump, his bold approach with Kim sent a message to other world leaders that he could be unpredictable, which he saw as a strength in his foreign policy.
The ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Initiative with RFK Jr.
Rogan commended Trump for working with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on health reforms, asking whether Trump would give Kennedy a significant role in his administration if elected. Trump expressed admiration for Kennedy’s advocacy for public health, but noted their differences, especially concerning environmental issues. Trump clarified that while he’s cautious about Kennedy’s anti-oil stance, he respects his dedication to health, particularly on issues like toxins and pesticides in food.
Rogan added to the conversation by discussing harmful ingredients commonly used in American food but banned in other countries. Trump agreed, attributing Kennedy’s concerns to his genuine desire to improve public health. Trump also shared that Big Pharma had not responded favorably to his work with Kennedy, which he interpreted as a sign they viewed Kennedy’s health advocacy as a threat.
Negotiating Peace with the Taliban
Discussing his dealings with the Taliban, Trump reflected on his strategy to deescalate violence. He mentioned that during his administration, he made a strong demand for peace after learning that Taliban snipers were targeting American soldiers. Trump shared that his direct approach helped reduce incidents against American forces, claiming that even President Biden had reluctantly acknowledged the impact of these negotiations.
Interest in UFOs and Life on Mars
Trump addressed the ongoing curiosity around unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the possibility of life on Mars. Although he admitted it wasn’t a major personal interest, Trump said he had spoken to military pilots who described witnessing unexplainable objects moving faster than F-22 jets. While he didn’t offer any definitive answers, he remained open to the idea of extraterrestrial life, saying, “There’s no reason not to think that Mars and all these planets don’t have life.”
Responding to Kamala Harris’s Criticism
When Rogan asked Trump about Vice President Kamala Harris comparing him to Adolf Hitler, Trump dismissed her remarks and referred to Harris as a “very low IQ person.” He brushed off the comparison, implying it was a poorly thought-out attack meant to undermine him, and suggested that his opponents often turn to extreme comparisons when lacking substantive criticisms.
Trump’s conversation with Rogan offered a blend of serious reflection and humor, illustrating his views on media, political strategy, and ongoing policy issues in a way that resonated with Rogan’s broad audience.
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