In a recently released three-hour interview with popular podcaster Joe Rogan, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump reflected on what he considers the “biggest mistake” of his time in the White House. The informal conversation covered a range of topics, including Trump’s relationships with various world leaders, voter fraud allegations from the 2020 election, and even the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
Trump described his “biggest mistake” during his presidency from 2017 to 2021 as appointing certain individuals he now views as untrustworthy or disloyal. He specifically mentioned former White House chief of staff John Kelly, whom he characterized as a “bully” yet “weak,” and criticized former National Security Adviser John Bolton, calling him both “an idiot” and sometimes beneficial.
The conversation also included Trump’s interactions with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He claimed to have had a positive rapport with Kim, despite initial tensions, and humorously suggested that Kim take a break from building nuclear weapons and consider relaxing on the beach instead. Trump also asserted that Russia would not have invaded Ukraine if he had been in office, emphasizing that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not respect the current administration.
Regarding the 2020 election, Trump repeated his unfounded claims of mass voter fraud and hinted that he has substantial evidence to support his allegations, but did not provide any during the interview. He suggested that Democrats exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to manipulate the election.
Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, labeling her as a “very low IQ person,” and disparaged California Governor Gavin Newsom. He also expressed his appreciation for Elon Musk and indicated a desire to involve Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a potential future administration, despite differing views on environmental policies.
On the topic of extraterrestrial life, Trump remarked that he does not dismiss the idea of life on other planets and recounted conversations with pilots about unexplained aerial phenomena.
Trump reflected on his time on “The Apprentice,” stating that executives at NBC attempted to persuade him not to run for president so that the show could continue. Ultimately, NBC severed ties with him following his presidential campaign announcement in 2015.
As for his health, Trump claimed that a physician once remarked on his exceptional ability to run on a treadmill, though he noted that he prefers playing golf as a means of staying fit, finding treadmills to be “really boring.”