In a headline-grabbing three-hour appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience,” former President Donald Trump opened up like never before about a range of hot-button topics, from what he calls his “one big mistake” during his presidency to UFO secrets, assassination attempts, and the upcoming 2024 election. The podcast, aired Friday night, drew an astounding 300,000 viewers within 30 minutes as Trump revealed, debated, and occasionally sparred with Rogan on the microphone.
Trump, now the Republican frontrunner in the 2024 presidential race, was unapologetically candid as he described his presidency’s challenges and regrets. “The one mistake… I’ll say it always comes back to the same answer,” he told Rogan. “The biggest mistake I made… I picked some people I shouldn’t have picked.” Pressed by Rogan on whether he was referring to “neocons,” Trump confirmed, “Yeah, neocons, or bad people, or disloyal people.”
Among those he cited were his former Chief of Staff, John Kelly, and National Security Adviser, John Bolton. Both have publicly criticized Trump since leaving the administration, with Kelly even labeling him “a fan of Adolf Hitler” in remarks to the New York Times, and Bolton accusing Trump of being “too stupid to be a true fascist.” Trump hit back on Rogan’s podcast, dismissing both as “bad people” and calling Kelly “a bully” and Bolton “an idiot.”
In 2022, Rogan had publicly refused to invite Trump on his podcast, stating, “I don’t want to help him.” This historic appearance marks a shift in their relationship, and the conversation was just as riveting as listeners had hoped.
Election ‘Theft’ Claims: Trump’s Resolved Stance on 2020
The discussion soon pivoted to Trump’s infamous claims of election fraud in 2020. “I wanna talk about 2020 because you said over and over again that you were robbed,” Rogan said, prompting Trump to dive back into his assertions. “That election was so crooked,” he responded, describing a “crooked system” and ballots that “weren’t signed” or “weren’t originals.” Trump also criticized changes in election procedures during the pandemic, which he claimed lacked legislative approval.
Despite his lengthy explanation, Trump has yet to present the evidence for these claims, leaving many skeptical. Rogan himself questioned the former president’s theories on fraud but allowed Trump the space to expound on his grievances, including the allegations surrounding Hunter Biden’s laptop.
Assassination Attempts and Aliens: More Unexpected Revelations
Trump also disclosed details about an assassination attempt that, according to him, occurred on July 13, allegedly perpetrated by Thomas Mathew Cooks. Recounting the incident, Trump pointed to a scar on his ear, noting, “It zicked right there.” Rogan, responding to the surprising admission, commended the wound’s healing, calling it “pretty f***ing good.”
The conversation later turned extraterrestrial when Rogan couldn’t resist pressing Trump on whether he’d received any “insider information” on UFOs. “They told me a lot,” Trump replied, cryptically. “There’s no reason not to believe there is life in space,” he added, though he admitted he’s never been a full believer in Area 51 lore, humorously calling it the “number one tourist attraction.”
Rogan and Trump’s Relationship Shifts amid 2024 Backdrop
This appearance is a notable turnaround for Rogan, who, just two years ago, dismissed the possibility of hosting Trump on his show, calling him a “threat to democracy.” Recently, however, Rogan has softened his stance, even showing cautious support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., though he has distanced himself from outright endorsements. The 2024 race is heating up, and Rogan’s hosting Trump just as primary season looms signifies the unpredictability of the current election cycle.
Trump ended his appearance by discussing the assassination attempt once more, jokingly telling Rogan, “It makes me a tougher guy.” The two men left their listeners with plenty to digest in an episode that blended humor, history, and hints at what’s to come. The conversation may indeed hint at a more formidable Trump, both physically and politically, in his second run for the White House.
With millions eagerly awaiting updates in the turbulent lead-up to 2024, the podcast concluded with Rogan’s reflection on the relentless scrutiny Trump faces, saying, “There’s probably no one in history I’ve seen that’s been attacked the way you’ve been attacked… so coordinated and systematic.” Whether this conversation shifts the tide for Trump in the 2024 race remains to be seen, but one thing is clear—he’s far from done sharing his story.
