The former president said he was the “opposite of a dictator” in the interview with the popular podcast host.
In a recent interview with Joe Rogan, former President Donald Trump covered various cultural and political issues, sparking widespread attention. The three-hour discussion ranged from his claims about the 2020 election to Vice President Kamala Harris, environmental policies, and even whales. The long session delayed his rally in Traverse City, Michigan, where some attendees left due to the wait.
Trump’s appearance on Rogan’s podcast reflects his strategy to reach voters through nontraditional media outlets ahead of the upcoming election. Though Rogan also extended an invitation to Harris, her campaign declined, citing scheduling conflicts.
Throughout the interview, Trump repeated his contention that the 2020 election was “stolen” due to alleged irregularities, citing changes in election laws during the pandemic. Rogan pushed back, asking for specific examples, but Trump’s responses were largely broad, focusing on perceived procedural issues rather than concrete evidence. Trump stated that this would be his final campaign if he wins, emphasizing the need for “fair elections.”
The conversation also turned to environmental topics, with Trump criticizing windmills for their supposed impact on whale populations, humorously adding, “I want to be a whale psychiatrist.” He also voiced his longstanding concerns about environmental regulations, describing them as barriers to growth. Rogan, known for hosting high-profile and often controversial figures, pressed Trump on his claims, especially when Trump praised Confederate general Robert E. Lee. Trump clarified that he admired Lee’s “strategic” abilities but was cautious about the potential backlash this comment might generate.
Trump’s critique of Harris and other Democrats grew more direct, labeling Harris “not smart” and suggesting that her presidency would harm the nation. His increasingly harsh rhetoric has led opponents to accuse him of dictatorial inclinations. This week, former White House Chief of Staff John Kelly publicly stated that Trump exhibits “fascist” tendencies, a label Trump vehemently denied, describing himself instead as “the opposite of a dictator.”
Regarding the unrest in the Middle East, Trump warned about weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons. At one point, he stated, “The Middle East is rapidly changing… Prophets have said the world will come to an end in the Middle East. And today, we have weapons that are so scary.”
Rogan’s influence has expanded in recent years, especially among young male audiences, positioning his podcast as a major platform for political discourse. Although he has not endorsed any candidate this cycle, his podcast has remained a prominent stage for discussing political ideologies. Rogan’s recent remark favoring Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stirred some debate, though he later clarified it was not an endorsement.
Trump acknowledged Rogan’s significance in connecting with new audiences, at one point describing himself as “a student” of Rogan. For Trump, this approach aligns with his strategy to bypass traditional media outlets that he claims misrepresent him and reach out directly to voters.
As the interview wrapped up, Trump excused himself to rush to his Michigan rally. “I’ve got to go make a great speech,” he quipped, adding humorously, “If I’m a little off tonight, I’m going to blame you.”
