(Rightallegiance.com) – Former President Donald Trump made headlines once again during a nearly three-hour appearance on “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast, which was recorded on Friday in Austin, Texas. The interview offered Trump a significant platform, reaching Rogan’s massive audience of 14.5 million followers on Spotify and 17.6 million on YouTube. Joe Rogan, known for his influence among young male listeners, provided Trump with an opportunity to connect with a demographic crucial to the upcoming election.
Here are the key moments and takeaways from the conversation:
Regrets About His First Term
During the podcast, Trump reflected on the decisions he made during his first term, specifically pointing to some of the personnel choices he now views as mistakes. He stated that despite his many successes, including economic growth, tax cuts, and Supreme Court appointments, some of his key hires turned out to be ill-advised. “The biggest mistake I made was I picked some people… I picked a few people that I shouldn’t have picked,” Trump admitted, acknowledging the influence of so-called “neocons” and disloyal individuals within his administration.
John Bolton Appointment Regret
Trump also discussed his controversial appointment of John Bolton as National Security Adviser. While explaining the selection process, he noted that fellow businessman Phil Ruffin had warned him that Bolton was “a bad guy.” Despite the warning, Trump proceeded with the appointment—a decision he now regrets. He characterized Bolton as a “nut job” whose aggressive presence made other countries fearful of conflict. “He was with Bush when they went stupidly into the Middle East,” Trump said, emphasizing his longstanding criticism of U.S. intervention in the region.
The ‘Rebel’ Label Now Belongs to Conservatives
A notable moment during the discussion was when Rogan opined that being rebellious in today’s climate means aligning with conservatism. “The rebels are Republicans now,” Rogan said, highlighting the shift in political dynamics, where liberals have increasingly become proponents of regulation and censorship. Elon Musk, owner of Twitter (now X), appeared to agree, sharing the clip on social media and simply writing, “Exactly.” Trump responded by comparing the current investigations against him to those faced by notorious gangster Al Capone.
North Korea and Diplomacy
Trump shared insights about his diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Recalling his transition discussions with former President Barack Obama, Trump mentioned that Obama believed a war with North Korea was imminent. Trump, known for his blunt style, said he initially called Kim “Little Rocket Man,” which escalated tensions. However, as their relationship evolved, Trump claimed he advised Kim to relax and consider development opportunities instead of focusing on military ambitions. “I said, ‘Why don’t you go take it easy and relax? Go to the beach?’” Trump explained, emphasizing his unique approach to foreign relations.
The ‘Make America Healthy Again’ Initiative
Trump discussed his collaboration with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on a “Make America Healthy Again” initiative. While praising Kennedy, Trump expressed some reservations about his environmental views, given Kennedy’s stance against fossil fuels. Rogan brought up Kennedy’s concerns regarding chemicals in the food supply and the health challenges facing young Americans, noting that more than 70% of young men are reportedly ineligible for military service due to health issues. Trump affirmed his support for Kennedy while acknowledging the challenges of balancing environmental and economic priorities.
Afghanistan Withdrawal Critique
The botched withdrawal from Afghanistan under President Biden’s administration was another topic of discussion. Trump criticized the decision to leave billions of dollars worth of military equipment behind, calling out retired Gen. Mark Milley for what he saw as poor leadership. Trump argued that all U.S. equipment should have been taken out, labeling Milley as “unwise” for suggesting otherwise. “It’s cheaper to leave it,” Trump quoted Milley as saying, a statement Trump vehemently disagreed with.
Tariffs as an Alternative to Income Taxes
During the interview, Trump floated the idea of replacing federal income tax with tariffs, reminiscent of the economic model in the late 1800s. He suggested that tariffs could make the U.S. prosperous once again, as they did during President McKinley’s time. “The most beautiful word… is the word tariff,” Trump declared. Rogan pressed Trump on whether he was serious about eliminating income taxes in favor of tariffs, to which Trump responded affirmatively, citing the potential benefits of protecting American jobs and industries.
UFOs and Life Beyond Earth
When the conversation turned to UFOs and potential life on other planets, Trump acknowledged the public’s fascination with the topic. He mentioned having spoken to pilots who claimed to witness strange, fast-moving objects, but noted that extraterrestrial matters were not a significant interest for him. “There’s no reason not to think that Mars and all these planets don’t have life,” he added, hinting at his open-mindedness about the possibility of life beyond Earth.
Kamala Harris Criticism
Trump also took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently compared him to Adolf Hitler. “Kamala is a very low IQ person,” Trump stated bluntly, arguing that cognitive tests should be required for anyone running for president. He dismissed her remarks as a desperate attempt to undermine his credibility, suggesting that Harris struggles under the weight of political pressure.
Rogan’s Decision to Invite Trump
Rogan addressed why he decided to invite Trump onto his podcast, noting that the timing felt right following the recent assassination attempt on Trump. “Once they shot you, I was like, he’s got to come in here,” Rogan explained. Trump humorously showed the scar from the incident, downplaying the injury but acknowledging the experience.
Trump’s appearance on Rogan’s podcast provided a platform for him to connect with voters on a wide range of issues, from past regrets to bold policy proposals. The discussion revealed Trump’s continued confidence in his unconventional approach to politics, as he seeks to win back the presidency in 2024.
To view the full podcast, click here.