Joe Rogan Experience #2219 - Donald Trump

Summiz Holo

Trump's Media Reception Shift from Celebrity to Presidential Candidate

• Donald Trump's favorable reception on 'The View' and other shows before his presidential run contrasted sharply with the attacks he faced once he announced his candidacy.
• Trump's decision to run for president was influenced by positive polling results and encouragement from various media figures, despite initial resistance from NBC executives.
• The transition from a successful television career to a presidential campaign was marked by a significant shift in public perception and media treatment.
• Trump's experience in the White House was described as surreal, highlighting the unexpected nature of the presidency compared to his previous life.

Trump's White House reflections on Lincoln's legacy and personal struggles

• Donald Trump reflects on his experience arriving at the White House, noting the overwhelming presence of police and military, and the excitement of the crowd.
• He describes the beauty of the White House interior, particularly the presidential quarters, contrasting it with common perceptions of it being austere.
• Trump expresses awe at seeing the Lincoln bedroom for the first time, highlighting its historical significance and the emotional weight of Lincoln's legacy.
• He discusses Abraham Lincoln's struggles with depression (referred to as melancholia) and the impact of personal loss, particularly the death of his son Tad.
• Trump draws a parallel between Lincoln's psychological challenges in battle, particularly against Robert E. Lee, and the psychological aspects of competition in sports, referencing a UFC fight.

Trump's Non-Political Background, Appointment Challenges, and Early Presidency Struggles

• Donald Trump discusses his lack of experience in politics and governance prior to becoming president, emphasizing that he was primarily a businessman and donor rather than a politician.
• He highlights the significant number of appointments a president must make, approximately 10,000, and the challenges he faced in selecting qualified individuals for these roles.
• Trump reflects on his initial experience in the White House, describing it as surreal and hallowed, but notes that the novelty wore off over time.
• He mentions the immediate challenges he faced upon winning the presidency, including impeachment efforts that began even before he took office.
• Trump contrasts his background as a New York businessman with the political landscape of Washington, indicating his unfamiliarity with the latter.
• He points out that historically, most U.S. presidents have been politicians, with only a small percentage being generals, highlighting the uniqueness of his non-political background.

Trump's advisor selection challenges, political perceptions, and administration reflections

• Trump discusses the reliance on both respected and less-known individuals during his campaign, highlighting the complexities of choosing advisors in a political context.
• There is a perception that many people desire high-profile political positions, despite some reluctance to publicly admit it.
• Trump expresses caution about selecting individuals outside of politics due to the lack of vetting, which can lead to unforeseen issues.
• Established politicians may be seen as 'stiffs,' prioritizing survival over taking risks or making controversial decisions.
• Trump reflects on his presidency, acknowledging both successes and mistakes, particularly in the selection of certain advisors.
• He identifies specific individuals, like John Bolton and John Kelly, as examples of advisors who had negative impacts on his administration.

Trump's controversial advisor choices, media portrayal, and presidency dangers

• Trump reflects on his choice of John Bolton as an advisor, acknowledging that Bolton was viewed negatively and had a controversial history in politics.
• Trump discusses the perception of his candidacy and how his unfiltered style resonated with the public, contrasting it with traditional politicians who use rehearsed language.
• The conversation touches on the dangers of being president, including assassination attempts and the media's treatment of such events.
• Trump claims to have generated significant revenue from China during his presidency, asserting that previous presidents did not achieve similar results.
• He argues that his policies weakened Iran financially, which in turn affected their support for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.
• Trump compares the dangers of being president to other high-risk professions, emphasizing the unique threats faced by those in political office.
• The media's portrayal of Trump, including accusations of him being compared to Hitler, is discussed, highlighting the challenges he faced from the press.

Media Bias, Manipulation, and the Rise of Independent Sources

• Trump discusses the media's bias and how it affects credibility, claiming that many in the press are dishonest and that this is damaging their reputation.
• He highlights a specific incident involving CBS's 60 Minutes, where he alleges that they deceptively edited an interview to misrepresent a response from Kamala Harris.
• Trump mentions that some individuals in the media are pressured to be negative about him to secure jobs, illustrating a broader issue of media manipulation.
• He argues that the current state of media is opening opportunities for independent and new media sources due to the decline in traditional media credibility.
• Trump criticizes the fact-checking process in media, pointing out inconsistencies in how different individuals are treated during interviews and debates.

Crime statistics manipulation, police morale decline, and foreign manufacturing threats

• The debate around crime statistics, with claims of rising crime being dismissed by opponents, despite evidence showing crime has increased due to manipulated statistics.
• The negative impact of the 'defund the police' movement on police morale and effectiveness, leading to unreported crime and increased danger for officers.
• The dangerous nature of police work, highlighting the risks officers face during routine stops and the psychological toll, including PTSD and high suicide rates among police.
• Criticism of political figures who support defunding the police and the need for better funding, training, and support for law enforcement.
• The discussion of controversial policies, such as providing sex change operations to detainees and illegal immigrants, as part of political platforms.
• The economic implications of foreign auto manufacturing, particularly the threat posed by Chinese investments in Mexico, and the potential for tariffs to protect U.S. manufacturing.

Trump's Tariff Advocacy, Historical Context, and Musk's Internet Innovations

• Donald Trump advocates for high tariffs (100-200%) on imported cars to protect American jobs and industries, suggesting that tariffs can make the U.S. wealthy.
• Trump references historical context, mentioning President McKinley as the 'Tariff King' and arguing that the U.S. was richer in the late 19th century due to tariffs.
• He criticizes the shift to income tax in the early 1900s, claiming it was influenced by foreign pressure against tariffs.
• Trump praises Elon Musk for his achievements, including the successful landing of rockets and the development of Starlink, which provides high-speed internet access.
• He highlights the inefficiency of government spending on internet access programs compared to the potential of Starlink to provide widespread connectivity.

Trump tax cuts, pandemic impact, and barriers to oil production

• The Trump administration implemented significant tax cuts, reducing the corporate tax rate from nearly 40% to 21%, with plans to lower it further to 15% for products made in the U.S.
• The tax cuts initially resulted in increased revenue, contradicting the expectation that they would increase the deficit.
• The administration facilitated the repatriation of overseas funds, allowing companies like Apple to bring back billions of dollars to the U.S.
• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted economic growth and required government intervention to support struggling businesses.
• Trump believed that without the pandemic, his administration would have been able to pay down national debt and continue economic growth.
• Environmental regulations and concerns were identified as significant barriers to oil production and economic growth.

Manipulation of Environmental Regulations and International Pollution Disparities

• Environmental regulations can be manipulated by consultants and lawyers to prolong projects and generate fees, creating a financial incentive to complicate the permitting process.
• The environmental impact study process is often seen as a significant barrier for builders, with the potential to delay projects for many years due to bureaucratic hurdles.
• There are instances where environmental concerns are exaggerated, such as classifying small puddles as lakes, which can halt development.
• While there are legitimate environmental concerns, the speaker argues that the U.S. is held to stricter standards compared to countries like China, which continue to build coal plants despite global environmental commitments.
• The speaker emphasizes that pollution from other countries, particularly China, can affect U.S. air and water quality, undermining domestic environmental efforts.

Air pollution impacts, Trump’s international relations, and California’s water mismanagement

• The impact of air quality and pollution from different regions, specifically mentioning dust clouds from the Sahara and pollution from China.
• The relationship between Donald Trump and international leaders, highlighting his positive experiences with President Xi and Saudi Arabia.
• Criticism of local government actions regarding homelessness and cleanliness in cities, particularly referencing San Francisco's issues with human waste.
• The water scarcity issue in Los Angeles, despite the presence of ample water resources in Northern California, which are being mismanaged.
• Historical context of California's water management, including the draining of T Lake and the consequences of rerouting water into the Pacific Ocean.

California's water mismanagement, forest fire risks, and energy policy inefficiencies

• California has abundant water resources that are underutilized, leading to dry forests and increased risk of wildfires.
• The management of forests, including the removal of dead trees and debris, is essential to prevent forest fires.
• Political obstacles hinder effective environmental management, as seen in the reluctance to sign necessary approvals for water management.
• California's push for electric vehicles is problematic due to the state's electrical grid's inability to handle the demand.
• Nuclear power is presented as a clean and safe energy source, with advancements in technology addressing past safety concerns.
• The irony of electric cars being powered by coal-fired plants highlights inefficiencies in current energy policies.

Environmental impacts of electric car batteries, windmills, and nuclear energy

• The production of electric car batteries has environmental implications, and there are untapped raw Earth materials in the U.S. that are not being utilized due to environmental regulations.
• China dominates the electric car market, potentially leading to job losses in the U.S. automotive industry.
• The Biden administration halted oil drilling in Alaska, which could have significantly benefited the U.S. economy and energy supply.
• Windmills are criticized for being environmentally disruptive, killing birds, and creating visual pollution, while also being an inefficient and costly source of electricity.
• The abandonment and deterioration of windmills contribute to environmental issues, as they leave behind waste that cannot be easily disposed of.
• There is a concern that offshore wind farms may negatively impact marine life, particularly whales, due to vibrations and noise.
• Nuclear energy is presented as a better alternative, though there are concerns about safety and regulatory challenges in its implementation.

Overregulation, nuclear energy strategies, and political leadership critiques

• Overregulation in construction leads to exorbitant costs, exemplified by a $25 billion project that never opened.
• France's approach to nuclear energy involves building small, compact plants that are efficient and clean.
• Concerns about nuclear power include its potential for weaponization, as seen with countries like India and Pakistan.
• The speaker criticizes current political leadership, particularly Biden, attributing issues to age and health rather than intelligence.
• The timing of political debates may be strategically manipulated to benefit certain candidates.
• Polling methods are questioned, with skepticism about their accuracy and the small sample sizes used.

Trump's Election Integrity Skepticism, Cognitive Testing Advocacy, and Political Pressure

• Polling inaccuracies: Trump discusses his skepticism about polls, citing a specific instance where he was down 17 points in Wisconsin but won the election, suggesting that polls can discourage voter turnout.
• Election fraud claims: Trump expresses his belief that there was significant election fraud in the 2020 election, referencing issues like mail-in ballots and ballot tampering.
• Denial of election results: The conversation touches on the commonality of denying election results, with Trump mentioning Hillary Clinton's denial of the 2016 election and the ongoing denial from some Democrats regarding the 2016 outcome.
• Perception of election fraud: Trump argues that questioning election integrity is stigmatized, comparing it to being labeled an 'antivaxer' for questioning vaccine safety.
• Cognitive testing for politicians: Trump advocates for cognitive tests for presidential candidates, suggesting that mental acuity should be assessed regardless of age.
• Pressure on political figures: The discussion highlights the intense pressure faced by politicians, particularly women in high office, and how it can affect their performance and public perception.

Critique of Political Discourse, Global Leaders, and Military Strategy

• The interviewee criticizes a previous interviewee's inability to answer questions effectively, highlighting a lack of substance in political discourse.
• The interviewee acknowledges the intelligence of global leaders, specifically mentioning President Xi and President Putin, while also labeling them as dangerous.
• The interviewee claims that under his presidency, Russia would not have invaded Ukraine, attributing this to his direct communication with Putin and the state of oil prices.
• The interviewee criticizes the Biden administration's handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal, emphasizing the importance of taking soldiers out last and the consequences of leaving military equipment behind.
• The interviewee reflects on his own success in reducing soldier casualties in Afghanistan during his presidency, contrasting it with the situation after his departure.

Criticism of Bagram withdrawal, military equipment debates, and ISIS defeat

• The decision to leave Bagram Air Base was criticized as unwise, particularly due to its proximity to China and the potential risks involved.
• There was a belief that all military equipment should have been removed before leaving, highlighting a disagreement over the cost-effectiveness of leaving equipment behind.
• The speaker expressed frustration with military leadership, specifically General Milley, for prioritizing cost over safety and strategic interests.
• The speaker claimed to have successfully defeated ISIS quickly, contrary to expectations that it would take years, emphasizing the effectiveness of military resources.
• The experience of flying to Iraq involved significant security precautions, including turning off lights on Air Force One to avoid detection, illustrating the dangers faced during military operations.

Trump's military critiques, chaotic withdrawals, and nuclear capabilities assertions

• Trump describes a harrowing landing experience in a dark environment, emphasizing the skill of the pilots and the reliability of military equipment.
• He criticizes the military's bureaucratic system, suggesting that smart military personnel are often hindered by orders from Washington.
• Trump expresses frustration with the military's approach to ISIS, claiming it could have been dealt with quickly if not for systemic issues.
• He reflects on the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, comparing it unfavorably to the Vietnam War.
• Trump asserts that he rebuilt the military and nuclear capabilities, highlighting the potential destructive power of nuclear weapons.
• He discusses his relationship with North Korea, claiming that he was able to ease tensions that previous administrations could not.

Nuclear stockpiles, internal threats, and migration's local impact

• The speaker discusses the substantial nuclear stock of a foreign leader and questions their need for continued military buildup instead of relaxation and leisure.
• There is a belief that the real threat to the country comes from within, with the speaker labeling certain individuals as 'bad people' who want to undermine the nation's success.
• The speaker highlights concerns about illegal immigration, specifically mentioning the influx of serious criminals, including murderers and rapists, entering the country.
• The speaker describes the negative impact of a large number of migrants being relocated to swing states, leading to community strain and resource shortages.
• The speaker criticizes local governance in areas affected by crime and migration, suggesting that political correctness prevents honest discussions about the issues.
• There is mention of a strategy involving the use of an app by cartels to facilitate the transportation of illegal migrants, indicating organized and wealthy criminal operations.
• The speaker expresses admiration for Dana White, emphasizing his loyalty and character, while recounting a personal anecdote about White's support during a challenging time.

Joe Rogan's UFC Advocacy, Friendship with Dana White, and Boxing Comparisons

• Joe Rogan's long-standing friendship with Dana White and his involvement in the UFC since its early days.
• Rogan's passion for UFC and his willingness to work for free initially to support the sport.
• The UFC's controversial beginnings and the challenges it faced in gaining legitimacy and licensing.
• The comparison between UFC and boxing regarding violence and safety, highlighting that no UFC fighter has ever died in the ring.
• The impact of weight cutting in boxing and its correlation with fatalities, particularly in lower weight classes.
• Dana White's role in revitalizing boxing through partnerships, particularly with Saudi Arabia, to create high-stakes fights.

Boxing's 12-Round Shift, UFC Greatness Debate, and Fighter Resilience

• The transition from 15-round to 12-round fights in boxing was a significant change, aimed at improving fighter safety and rehydration.
• The last three rounds of championship fights are often the most intense and showcase a war of attrition.
• There is ongoing debate about who the greatest UFC fighter of all time is, with names like Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, BJ Penn, Anderson Silva, and Mighty Mouse frequently mentioned.
• Khabib Nurmagomedov's undefeated record is notable, but his number of championship fights is less than some of his peers.
• Fighting is described as 'high-level problem solving with dire physical consequences,' emphasizing its brutal nature.
• Fighters often peak at different times in their careers, and their performance should be judged during their championship peak rather than at the end of their careers.
• Injuries, such as Anderson Silva's leg break, can have lasting psychological and physical effects on fighters, impacting their performance post-injury.
• The physical toll of kicking in MMA can lead to micro fractures in the shin, which fighters adapt to over time, allowing them to perform extraordinary feats like breaking baseball bats with their shins.

Trump and Kennedy's Health Initiative Against Toxic Foods and Pharmaceuticals

• Donald Trump discusses teaming up with Robert Kennedy Jr. to promote the 'Make America Healthy Again' initiative, focusing on the health consequences of toxic chemicals in food that are banned in other countries.
• Trump highlights that over 70% of young men are ineligible for military service due to health issues, primarily obesity, linking this to the U.S. diet and lifestyle.
• There is a contrast between U.S. health expenditure and life expectancy compared to other countries, indicating inefficiencies in the American healthcare system.
• Trump expresses a cautious approach to environmental issues in his collaboration with Kennedy, particularly regarding oil and gas, while emphasizing the importance of health.
• The pharmaceutical industry is portrayed as resistant to Trump's support of Kennedy, who critiques the industry's practices and the negative consequences of certain prescribed drugs.
• Trump acknowledges the historical success of vaccines, like the polio vaccine, while also mentioning concerns about vaccine-derived strains of polio emerging in specific regions.
• The discussion touches on the implications of pharmaceutical drug advertising on television, noting that the U.S. and New Zealand are the only countries that allow it, with the U.S. having fewer restrictions.

Improving metabolic health, regenerative agriculture, and public health initiatives

• Many pharmaceutical drugs mitigate the effects of poor metabolic health, but improving metabolic health through nutrition could reduce the need for these drugs.
• The difficulty of scaling regenerative agriculture poses challenges in providing healthy food options in urban areas, leading to reliance on cheap, unhealthy food.
• A national effort to improve public health could significantly address health problems in the United States.
• Genetics plays a significant role in individual health, influencing overall well-being and fitness levels.
• Golf is presented as a beneficial activity for mental focus and physical exercise, especially as one ages.
• The intensity and importance of running for president are emphasized, with a comparison to the excitement of major sports events.
• The significance of storytelling in speeches is highlighted, noting that engaging delivery is crucial for audience interest.

Trump's Media Critique, Political Success, and Youthful Conservative Rebellion

• Trump claims he has never received good press and believes the media acts as a propaganda arm for the Democratic Party, contrasting it with the positive PR Democrats receive.
• He asserts that he has won three nominations in a row and received more votes in his second presidential election, emphasizing his political success despite negative media coverage.
• Trump discusses the impact of the internet and social media, particularly TikTok, in reaching younger audiences who are increasingly rejecting 'woke' culture and censorship.
• He highlights a shift in young people's political alignment, suggesting that being conservative is now seen as rebellious or 'punk rock.'
• Trump claims he has been investigated more than notorious criminals like Al Capone, framing these investigations as politically motivated attacks from opponents.
• He reflects on the potential consequences of prosecuting political opponents, specifically mentioning Hillary Clinton, and argues that he chose not to pursue charges against her for the sake of the country.
• Trump criticizes former FBI Director James Comey for his handling of the investigation into Clinton, suggesting that Comey's actions were self-serving and detrimental to the perception of the FBI.

Trump's election integrity claims, debate strategies, and media narratives

• Trump claims the 2020 election was 'crooked' and discusses various alleged irregularities, including lack of legislative approval for changes in voting procedures.
• He cites Wisconsin as an example where he believes the election was rigged and mentions issues with ballot access and authenticity.
• Trump references the involvement of 51 former intelligence agents who falsely labeled Hunter Biden's laptop as Russian disinformation, impacting public perception.
• He argues that the narrative of collusion with Russia was a significant factor in shaping public opinion against him during his presidency.
• Trump criticizes the format of presidential debates, advocating for a more conversational approach without time constraints or audience interference.
• He expresses his belief that fair elections, secure borders, and a free press are essential for a functioning democracy.
• Trump reflects on his debate strategy, emphasizing that he did not want to participate in debates when he was leading significantly in the polls.

Debate entertainment, political dishonesty, and immigration policy skepticism

• The comedic timing and entertainment value of debates and public appearances are emphasized, with a specific mention of a successful event at McDonald's that drew a large crowd.
• There is skepticism about political candidates' honesty, particularly regarding claims made about their past experiences and positions, with a focus on a specific candidate's alleged lies about working at McDonald's.
• The discussion highlights the inconsistency in political positions, noting that a candidate has changed their stance on multiple issues, including gun control and in vitro fertilization.
• The speaker questions the motivations behind immigration policies, suggesting that they may be aimed at buying votes or providing cheap labor, while expressing concern about the implications of allowing unknown individuals into the country.

Election integrity concerns, undocumented immigrant benefits, and voter ID legislation

• The financial burden of providing benefits to undocumented immigrants is significant, with estimates around $200 billion, which some argue is not sustainable for local governments like New York City.
• There is a belief that the 2020 elections were rigged, but the evidence has not been presented in a way that courts can address, leading to claims of judicial reluctance to rule on the merits of the case.
• Vulnerabilities in the election system include mail-in ballots and the potential for hacking voting machines, which are seen as significant risks to election integrity.
• The argument is made for a return to paper ballots, citing their lower cost and quicker results compared to electronic voting machines, which are viewed as complex and potentially corruptible.
• Historical context is provided by referencing a commission led by Jimmy Carter that concluded mail-in ballots are problematic and should not be used in elections.
• The necessity of voter ID is emphasized, with the argument that requiring identification for voting is logical and should be standard practice, contrasting it with other situations where ID is required.
• Legislative actions, such as California's law prohibiting the inquiry of voter ID status, are criticized as undermining election integrity and facilitating potential fraud.

Voter ID laws, election integrity, and Trump’s transparency on JFK files

• Many Democrats believe that voter ID laws are unnecessary and that politicians oppose them to facilitate election cheating.
• Trump argues that there is no public demand for policies like open borders or allowing men to compete in women's sports.
• Human trafficking is a significant issue, exacerbated by the internet, and Trump emphasizes the brutality of traffickers.
• Trump criticizes the narrative that wealthy individuals are not paying their fair share of taxes, suggesting it leads to negative economic consequences.
• A recent court ruling in Virginia found thousands of illegal ballots, highlighting concerns about election integrity and the need for voter ID.
• Trump discusses the JFK files, indicating he was advised against releasing them due to potential national security concerns and implications for living individuals.
• He expresses intent to open the JFK files if he wins office, suggesting it would serve as a form of transparency or 'cleansing.'

Extraterrestrial life speculation, UFO sightings, and geopolitical tensions

• Interest in extraterrestrial life and UFO sightings, with references to credible pilots who have reported strange aerial phenomena.
• Discussion of Area 51 as a significant tourist attraction and its association with UFOs.
• Speculation about the possibility of life on Mars, acknowledging the lack of evidence for current or past life forms.
• Mention of advanced military technology and the potential for unidentified aerial phenomena to be sophisticated drones rather than extraterrestrial crafts.
• The importance of nuclear weapons as the biggest global threat and the need for de-escalation with China and Russia.
• Trump's belief in his ability to negotiate peace in Ukraine and the Middle East if re-elected, emphasizing his past successes in diplomacy.
• Criticism of the Biden administration's handling of international relations and military personnel decisions.

Critique of Political Leadership, Manufacturing, and Foreign Chip Dependency

• The speaker expresses a lack of respect for current political leaders, particularly criticizing Biden and suggesting that if he were to be replaced by a less competent leader, it would lead to dire consequences for the country.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of American manufacturing, particularly in the electronics sector, arguing that products should be made in the U.S. to ensure fair wages and working conditions.
• The speaker criticizes the reliance on foreign chip manufacturing, particularly in Taiwan, and suggests that tariffs could incentivize companies to build their plants in the United States instead of relying on government funding.
• The speaker highlights the financial contributions made by NATO countries due to pressure to pay for protection, contrasting this with the lack of similar financial accountability from countries benefiting from U.S. military support.
• The speaker believes that the U.S. lost its chip business due to poor political decisions and advocates for a strategy that would compel companies to invest in American manufacturing rather than relying on foreign production.