Interview Key Points

Here's a summary of the key topics and points discussed in the interview:

The Joe Rogan Experience and Donald Trump's Political Journey

This section covers the initial discussion about the podcast and Trump's past appearances and how perceptions of him have changed over time.

• Early Perceptions on "The View": The conversation starts with a recollection of a 2015-2016 appearance on "The View" where Trump was warmly received by the hosts, who described him as fiscally conservative but socially liberal.
• Shifting Media Landscape: The interview touches on how public and media sentiment towards Trump shifted dramatically after he started gaining traction in polls, suggesting a coordinated effort against him.
• Contrast with Past Media Appearances: The discussion highlights a contrast between his earlier, more favorable media interactions (like on Oprah's show) and the later, more adversarial coverage.

The Decision to Run for President and "The Apprentice"

This part of the interview focuses on Trump's background in entertainment and the decision-making process behind his presidential run.

• "The Apprentice" Success: Trump emphasizes the success of "The Apprentice," noting its longevity and popularity.
• Pressure to Leave "The Apprentice": He recounts how network executives tried to convince him to extend his contract for "The Apprentice" and advised against running for president, as leaving prime-time television was seen as a significant sacrifice.
• Early Poll Performance: Trump reveals that early, unexpected poll results showing him performing well against other potential candidates planted the seed for his presidential aspirations.
• Balancing Business and Politics: The discussion touches on his concurrent commitments to building large projects and managing his family's early involvement in his businesses as factors in his initial hesitations.

Entering the Presidency and the White House Experience

This section delves into Trump's personal experience of winning the presidency and his initial impressions of being in the White House.

• Surreal Experience: Trump describes the presidency as a "surreal" experience, contrasting it with a more grounded experience during an assassination attempt.
• Inauguration Day: He recounts the experience of driving down Pennsylvania Avenue on Inauguration Day, the immense security presence, and the feeling of connection with the crowds.
• The White House Interior: He expresses surprise at the beauty and grandeur of the White House interior, noting its luxurious aspects, which are often overlooked.
• Visiting the Lincoln Bedroom: A significant moment shared is his visit to the Lincoln Bedroom, reflecting on Lincoln's life, his struggles with melancholy, and the emotional weight of seeing historical artifacts like the Gettysburg Address.

Governing and Appointments

This part of the interview explores the challenges of governing and the complexities of making presidential appointments.

• Governing vs. Survival: Trump highlights the dual focus of his presidency: governing the country and navigating constant political attacks and survival strategies, including early impeachment discussions.
• Scale of Appointments: He explains the sheer volume of appointments a president makes (around 10,000) and the process involved.
• Lack of Washington Experience: Trump admits to being new to Washington D.C. and politics, relying heavily on recommendations for appointments.
• Challenges of Appointing Non-Politicians: He discusses the risks of appointing individuals from outside the political sphere, as they may not have been thoroughly vetted.
• The "Stiff" Politician: Trump uses the term "stiff" to describe politicians who are overly cautious survivors, often unwilling to take controversial stances or risks, citing a personal anecdote.

Political Affiliation and the Two-Party System

This segment discusses Trump's past political leanings and his views on the effectiveness of third parties.

• Past Political Donations: Trump mentions being a donor to both parties.
• Switching to Republican Party: He discusses his transition from being a Democrat to eventually aligning with the Republican Party.
• Challenges of Third Parties: He expresses skepticism about the viability of third-party candidates, like RFK Jr., citing the entrenched nature of the two-party system and the difficulty of breaking through.

Mistakes and Key Personnel

This section addresses Trump's reflections on personnel decisions made during his presidency.

• Biggest Mistake: Trump identifies picking some people he "shouldn't have picked" as his biggest mistake.
• Types of Poor Choices: He mentions hiring "neocons," disloyal individuals, or those who were bullies but weak, using John Kelly and John Bolton as examples.
• Bolton's Unwisdom: He shares an anecdote where a friend warned him about John Bolton, who later proved to be problematic.
• Bolton's Unintended Benefit: Despite his issues, Trump notes that Bolton's aggressive demeanor sometimes served as a deterrent to other countries, creating an appearance of toughness.

Media Coverage and Political Communication

This part of the interview analyzes the role of media in shaping public perception and Trump's unique communication style.

• CNN's Role: Trump suggests that CNN's highlighting of his "wild shit" inadvertently boosted his popularity.
• Authenticity vs. Rehearsed Politics: He contrasts his own "free balling" style with politicians who give "pre-planned answers" and rehearsed responses.
• Comedic Instincts: Trump's use of impressions and sharp timing (like the "lock her up" chant) is noted as a comedic and effective political tool.
• Media Credibility Decline: The discussion points out that traditional media's perceived bias and distortions are diminishing their credibility, opening space for alternative media.
• "Blood Bath Hoax": Trump clarifies his "bloodbath" comment, stating it was about the auto industry and the economic consequences of losing to foreign competition, not about inciting violence.

The Dangers of the Presidency and Assassination Attempts

This segment addresses the personal risks involved in being president, especially for Trump.

• Dangerous Business: Trump emphasizes that being president is an extremely dangerous job, especially for consequential leaders.
• Assassination Attempts: He highlights that he has survived multiple assassination attempts, suggesting that such events are not adequately reported or discussed.
• Media Disparity: The interview points out that assassination attempts on Biden would likely receive far more media attention and fuel political narratives.

Foreign Policy and "America First" Principles

This part of the interview covers Trump's foreign policy approach and his views on international relations.

• "America First" and Financial Contributions: Trump reiterates his commitment to an "America First" approach, expecting other countries to pay their fair share for defense and trade.
• China Relations: He mentions taking in significant revenue from China, contrasting it with other presidents.
• Iran Policy: Trump states that Iran would not have attacked Israel if he had been president, implying his strong stance would have deterred them.
• "Paying for Protection": He criticizes countries that benefit from U.S. protection without adequate financial contribution.

The "Tariff King" and Economic Strategy

This section focuses on Trump's economic policies, particularly his use of tariffs and tax cuts.

• Replacing Income Tax with Tariffs: Trump proposes replacing income taxes with tariffs, referencing historical precedent in the 1880s and 1890s.
• Economic Prosperity Pre-COVID: He attributes the booming economy prior to COVID-19 to tax cuts and deregulation.
• Regulation Cuts: Trump asserts that regulation cuts were more impactful for businesses than tax cuts, even if less obvious dollar-for-dollar.
• China's Trade Practices: He criticizes China's trade practices, particularly regarding car manufacturing.
• Protecting American Industry: Trump discusses his strategy of using tariffs to protect American jobs and industries, citing the example of deterring a Chinese car plant construction.
• The Beauty of Tariffs: He poetically describes tariffs as a beautiful word that can make a country rich by imposing a "big price" on foreign competitors.

The Chip Manufacturing Industry and Tariffs

This part of the interview discusses the semiconductor industry and the use of tariffs to encourage domestic production.

• Taiwan's Dominance: Trump acknowledges Taiwan's strong position in chip manufacturing but criticizes the U.S. for losing this sector.
• Tariffs as a Solution: He advocates for using high tariffs on imported chips to incentivize companies to build manufacturing plants in the United States.
• Government Subsidies vs. Tariffs: Trump contrasts his approach of using tariffs with current government subsidies for chip companies, arguing tariffs would be more effective without costing U.S. taxpayers money.

Elon Musk and Space Exploration

This section touches upon Elon Musk's achievements and Trump's admiration for him.

• Musk's Achievements: Trump praises Elon Musk's accomplishments in space exploration, particularly the successful rocket landings.
• Space Force Establishment: He credits himself with establishing the Space Force.
• Starlink's Impact: Trump highlights the importance of Starlink in providing communication in disaster-stricken areas.
• Musk's Endorsement: He mentions receiving a significant endorsement from Elon Musk.

The State of the Environment and Energy Policy

This segment explores Trump's views on environmental regulations, energy production, and the role of windmills.

• Environmentalism as a Tool: Trump argues that environmental concerns are often used as a tool to hinder economic growth and increase regulation.
• Challenges of Building Projects: He shares personal experiences of navigating complex environmental impact studies for building projects in New York.
• "Stopping" Projects: Trump claims environmental consultants and lawyers profit from delaying or stopping projects by exaggerating environmental impacts.
• Cleanest Air and Water: He asserts that during his presidency, the U.S. had the cleanest air and water, despite environmental regulations.
• China's Environmental Practices: He criticizes China's lax environmental standards and its impact on global pollution.
• Windmills as Environmental Detriment: Trump strongly criticizes windmills, calling them "disruptive," "ugly," a "bird cemetery," and an eyesore that isn't very effective. He also points out the difficulties in disposing of old windmill blades.
• Nuclear Power vs. Windmills: He suggests nuclear power as a cleaner and safer alternative to windmills.
• Nuclear Power's Dangers and Potential: Trump acknowledges the dangers of nuclear power but mentions his uncle's research and the potential for compact, safe nuclear plants, citing France's model.
• Rethinking Energy Sources: He advocates for increased domestic oil and gas production, criticizing the Biden administration's policies and the restrictions on drilling in areas like ANWR.

Misinformation and Media Manipulation

This part of the interview discusses how information is manipulated and the impact of media on public discourse.

• "Woke Bullshit" Rejection: Trump observes that young people are rejecting "woke bullshit" and are tired of being lectured by those he considers mentally ill.
• Rebels Becoming Republicans: He notes a shift where conservatives are now seen as the rebels and punk rock figures, while liberals are perceived as pro-censorship.
• Weaponization of Investigations: Trump compares the investigations against him to those of Al Capone, framing them as politically motivated attacks against an opponent.
• The "Blood Bath Hoax": Trump reiterates his clarification on the "bloodbath" comment, emphasizing it was about economic consequences for the auto industry.
• Media Diminishing Credibility: He argues that the media's continued distortions and out-of-context reporting are eroding their own credibility and pushing people towards alternative media.

Election Integrity and Voter Fraud Concerns

This segment focuses on concerns about election integrity, mail-in ballots, and voter ID.

• 2020 Election Rigging Allegations: Trump reiterates his belief that the 2020 election was "crooked" and "stolen."
• Legislative Approval for Voting Changes: He claims that changes to voting procedures, such as extending voting periods or implementing mail-in ballots, lacked necessary legislative approval in some states.
• Wisconsin Election Irregularities: Trump points to specific issues in Wisconsin, like the alleged lack of access to ballots and the potential for unsigned or non-original ballots.
• The Hunter Biden Laptop Story: He highlights the suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story, citing the role of 51 former intelligence agents and social media censorship as significant factors influencing the election outcome.
• Mail-in Ballots as a Vulnerability: Trump argues that mail-in ballots are a significant vulnerability for election fraud, citing Jimmy Carter's commission findings.
• Voter ID as Essential: He strongly advocates for voter ID laws, stating that it's a basic requirement for security and that the opposition to it suggests an intent to cheat.
• Gavin Newsom's Voter ID Bill: Trump criticizes California Governor Gavin Newsom for signing a bill that prohibits asking voters for ID.
• The "Poop App" and Urban Decay: He discusses the issue of human feces documented in San Francisco, highlighting the perceived failures of liberal governance in managing urban environments.

The JFK Files and Government Transparency

This part of the interview addresses Trump's actions regarding the JFK assassination files and his commitment to future transparency.

• Opening JFK Files: Trump states he partially opened the JFK files during his presidency but was asked by "reasonable people" not to release them fully due to concerns about living individuals and national security.
• Commitment to Full Disclosure: He vows to release all remaining JFK files immediately if he wins the presidency, viewing it as a "cleansing."
• MLK File Mention: The conversation briefly mentions a Martin Luther King Jr. file that also exists.
• Potential for Implicated Living Individuals: Trump acknowledges that the hesitation to release files often involves protecting living individuals who may have been involved or formerly worked for the government.

UFOs and Extraterrestrial Life

This segment touches on Trump's interest in UFOs and his conversations with individuals who claim to have encountered them.

• Limited Personal Interest: Trump admits that UFOs are not a primary personal interest but acknowledges the frequent questions he receives on the topic.
• Skepticism vs. Possibility: While not a firm believer, he finds the possibility of life elsewhere in the universe plausible.
• Jet Pilot Testimonies: He recounts interviewing credible jet pilots who described seeing highly unusual aerial phenomena moving at incredible speeds and exhibiting advanced capabilities beyond known aircraft.
• Chinese Balloon Incident: Trump connects the Chinese spy balloon incident to the broader discussion, noting that some speculated it could be a sophisticated drone rather than a UFO.
• UAP Phenomena: The discussion touches upon the advanced capabilities of observed Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), noting their speed, maneuverability, and lack of conventional propulsion or heat signatures.
• Military Encounters: He mentions hearing accounts from military personnel who have encountered strange phenomena, suggesting there's "something there."

The UFC and Combat Sports

This section delves into Joe Rogan's experience with the UFC and the evolution of combat sports.

• Rogan's Early Involvement: Rogan recounts his long history with the UFC, starting in 1997, and his role in promoting the sport when it was controversial and banned from cable.
• Dana White's Loyalty: He highlights Dana White's immense loyalty and gratitude for Rogan's early support, emphasizing that White has never spoken ill of him.
• UFC's Growth and Entertainment Value: Rogan expresses his belief in the UFC's entertainment value and its status as a premier combat sport.
• Boxing vs. UFC Safety: Rogan argues that UFC, despite its perceived violence, may be safer than boxing due to more options for fighters to protect themselves and fewer instances of repeated head trauma.
• Weight Cutting in Boxing: He explains how extreme weight cutting in boxing, particularly in lighter divisions, leads to dehydration and increased risk of brain injury.
• Greatest UFC Fighters: Rogan discusses potential candidates for the "greatest of all time" in the UFC, including Jon Jones, Georges St. Pierre, Anderson Silva, and Khabib Nurmagomedov, emphasizing the importance of judging fighters at their peak performance.
• The Art of Fighting: He defines fighting as "high-level problem-solving with dire physical consequences."
• James Toney's MMA Debut: Rogan recalls James Toney's brief and unsuccessful foray into MMA, highlighting the stark difference between boxing and mixed martial arts.

Health, Nutrition, and Big Pharma

This segment addresses concerns about public health, the food industry, and the pharmaceutical industry.

• "Make America Healthy Again" Initiative: Rogan and Trump discuss their alignment on the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative, focusing on improving health through better nutrition and addressing the influence of chemicals in food.
• International Health Disparities: They examine charts showing the U.S. lagging behind other countries in life expectancy despite higher healthcare expenditure, linking it to diet, sedentary lifestyles, and chemical ingestion.
• RFK Jr.'s Role: They express strong support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s work on health issues, although Trump notes he will need to be careful about RFK Jr.'s strong environmental stances regarding oil and gas.
• Big Pharma's Influence: The conversation points to the pharmaceutical industry's resistance to RFK Jr.'s message due to their profit models.
• Advertising of Pharmaceuticals: Rogan highlights that the U.S. is one of only two countries allowing direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription drugs, which he sees as problematic.
• Pesticides and Unhealthy Food: They discuss the unnecessary use of pesticides and herbicides on food and the prevalence of cheap, unhealthy food in "food deserts."
• Metabolic Health Emphasis: Rogan suggests that focusing on metabolic health, nutrition, and vitamins could address many health issues currently treated with pharmaceutical drugs.
• Genetics and Lifestyle: Trump attributes his own health partly to genetics and lifestyle choices like playing golf, which he finds mentally beneficial.
• Golf as Exercise: Rogan acknowledges golf as good exercise and a way to clear the mind.

The Future of Energy and Climate Change

This part of the interview focuses on energy policy, climate change, and the transition to electric vehicles.

• Nuclear Power's Potential: Rogan and Trump discuss nuclear power as a clean and safe energy source, with Rogan arguing that fears are based on outdated technology and that modern nuclear power is significantly safer.
• Electric Cars and Grid Limitations: They criticize the push for electric vehicles when the power grid is not equipped to handle the increased demand, citing instances of rolling blackouts and calls to limit charging.
• "Poop App" and Urban Planning: Rogan mentions a "poop app" in San Francisco to track feces, illustrating the perceived failures in urban management by certain political factions.
• California's Water Crisis: They discuss the water crisis in California, where despite abundant water resources, rationing is being considered due to mismanagement and environmental regulations favoring fish over human needs.
• Reforestation and Forest Management: Trump critiques the environmental regulations that prevent proper forest management, leading to dry forests and increased fire risks.
• Windmills as Environmental Problems: They reiterate their negative views on windmills, citing bird deaths, visual pollution, and disposal issues.

The 2020 Election and Voter ID

This segment revisits the 2020 election and the debate around voter ID laws.

• "Rigged" Election Claims: Trump reiterates his claims of a rigged 2020 election, citing specific examples like lack of legislative approval for voting changes and issues with mail-in ballots.
• Voter ID as Essential: He argues strongly for voter ID laws, stating it's a common-sense measure that most people support, and that opposition from politicians stems from a desire to cheat.
• Gavin Newsom's Bill: Trump criticizes Gavin Newsom's bill that prevents asking for voter ID, calling it an escalation of efforts to facilitate fraud.
• Hypocrisy on ID Requirements: He points out the hypocrisy of requiring ID for everyday activities but not for voting.
• "The Left" and Bizarre Ideas: Trump identifies policies like open borders, men participating in women's sports, and gender reassignment for minors without parental consent as bizarre and polarizing ideas promoted by the left.
• Human Trafficking and Criminals at the Border: He expresses alarm over the influx of criminals and human traffickers at the border, emphasizing the security risks.

JFK Files and UFOs Revisited

This section returns to the JFK files and UFOs, with Trump making a commitment to transparency.

• JFK Files Commitment: Trump reaffirms his commitment to releasing all remaining JFK files upon entering office.
• UFOs and Government Secrecy: He acknowledges the ongoing interest in UFOs and the possibility of advanced phenomena observed by credible witnesses.
• China's Balloon Incident: Trump mentions the Chinese spy balloon incident, noting that some speculated it could be a sophisticated drone.
• Advanced UAP Capabilities: He highlights the extraordinary capabilities of observed UAPs, noting their speed and maneuverability beyond current human technology.

Presidential Debates and Political Communication

This part of the interview discusses the format and fairness of presidential debates.

• Debate Format Criticisms: Trump expresses dissatisfaction with current presidential debate formats, particularly the time limitations and the idea of microphone cut-offs.
• Preference for Conversational Format: He advocates for a more conversational format, similar to older debates, with no crowds or moderators interfering.
• No-Crowd Debate with Biden: Trump recalls the debate with Biden being held without a crowd, which he found unusual but accepted.
• Republican Primaries and Debates: He explains his decision not to participate in some Republican primary debates, as he was leading by such a significant margin.
• Humorous Debate Moments: Trump recalls the humorous "Rosie O'Donnell" moment during a debate as an example of effective timing and comedic instinct.
• Al Smith Dinner Performance: He mentions receiving positive reviews for his performance at the Al Smith Dinner, highlighting his comedic abilities.

Election Fraud and the 2020 Election

This segment revisits the claims of election fraud and the 2020 election.

• "Rigged Election" Claims: Trump reiterates his strong belief that the 2020 election was rigged.
• Examples of Alleged Fraud: He points to the Hunter Biden laptop suppression, the letter from 51 intelligence agents, and issues with mail-in ballots as examples of how the election was influenced.
• Narrative Control: He argues that the media's constant narrative of him being a threat to democracy allowed these "lies" to persist.
• Evidence of Fraud: Trump states that evidence of fraud has been documented in books and that judges have avoided ruling on the merits of the claims.
• Paper Ballots as a Solution: Citing Elon Musk, Trump suggests that paper ballots are essential for honest elections, citing the cost-effectiveness and security of paper ballots compared to electronic voting machines.
• "Crooked Stuff" in Elections: He labels the election processes as "crooked stuff" and expresses concern about potential fraud in future elections.

The Future of the Country and Political Polarization

This concluding part of the interview touches on the state of the nation and the perceived political divide.

• The Importance of Fair Elections: Trump emphasizes the need for fair elections and expresses his commitment to addressing election integrity issues if elected.
• Mail-in Ballots and Voter ID: He reiterates his concerns about mail-in ballots and the necessity of voter ID.
• The "Enemy Within": Trump speaks of an "enemy from within" that seeks to make the country unsuccessful, referencing the border situation and perceived political motivations for current policies.
• Kamala Harris's Policies and Intellect: He criticizes Kamala Harris's policies and perceived lack of intelligence, suggesting she has changed positions frequently.
• US vs. Other Countries: Trump contrasts the U.S. with other countries that he believes are more competent in handling their affairs, particularly regarding national security and economic policy.
• The Role of the President: He reflects on the immense power and responsibility of the presidency, particularly in foreign policy and de-escalation efforts.
• Personalization of Politics: The conversation highlights how Trump's unique communication style and willingness to engage in controversial topics have differentiated him from traditional politicians.