Trump participates in a three-hour interview with Joe Rogan, discussing the election, Kamala Harris, and whales.

The interview ran so long that Trump arrived several hours late to his rally in Traverse City, Michigan, causing frustration among attendees who left due to the wait. This appearance marks Trump's ongoing strategy of engaging with nontraditional media as the election approaches. Although Rogan invited Vice President Kamala Harris to join him on the podcast, her campaign declined the offer. Rogan's podcast boasts over 17 million YouTube subscribers.

The interview, posted online around 10 p.m. on Friday, included familiar themes from Trump's campaign. He claimed the Ukraine war would not have occurred under his presidency, criticized the debate moderators for insufficient fact-checking of Harris, and maintained his narrative about the perceived threats posed by Harris and the Democrats, equating them with foreign adversaries. Trump also continued to promote conspiracy theories about the 2020 election, which he falsely claims was stolen. When Rogan pressed him for examples of this alleged theft, Trump offered a lengthy, disjointed explanation about changes to election laws he believed lacked proper legislative approval, specifically referencing adjustments made during the pandemic to facilitate voting.

As he runs for a second term, Trump stated this would be his last election if he wins but was ambiguous about his future plans if he loses. "If I win, this will be my last election," he said. "But I think I owe it to the country. We have to have fair elections." Despite acknowledging in September that he lost the 2020 election by a "whisker," Trump has continued to center baseless claims about election fraud in his campaign messaging.

In recent weeks, Trump’s rhetoric has become increasingly aggressive, including threats to imprison political opponents and revoke media licenses for outlets he opposes, prompting his rivals to label him as having dictatorial tendencies. This was underscored when former chief of staff John Kelly referred to Trump as fitting the definition of a fascist. Trump responded to this characterization, asserting, "I was actually the opposite of a dictator. I was a very straight guy."

During the interview, Trump also discussed his interest in UFOs, suggesting that other planets like Mars might host life. Rogan corrected him, pointing out that probes and rovers have found no evidence of life on Mars, to which Trump speculated, "Maybe it’s life that we don’t know."

Rogan attempted to navigate Trump's fondness for Confederate General Robert E. Lee, prompting Trump to suggest that military leaders he speaks to regard Lee as a "genius." Rogan sought clarification, and Trump agreed that he meant this in a strategic context. Later, Rogan anticipated criticism by quipping, “Donald Trump wishes the South won,” reflecting what he perceived might be the backlash.

"The Joe Rogan Experience," which began in 2009, is particularly popular among young men and features a wide range of guests from various fields. Rogan, who previously hosted “Fear Factor,” has garnered a substantial following as a political commentator but has faced criticism over spreading COVID misinformation and using racial slurs.

Despite discussing political matters, Rogan has not made any formal endorsements this election cycle. In August, he expressed support for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., but later clarified that he wasn't endorsing the independent candidate, who has since dropped out and endorsed Trump. Harris was also in discussions for an interview with Rogan but those plans fell through due to scheduling conflicts.

Recognizing the significance of appearing on Rogan's podcast, Trump referred to himself as "a student of yours." He criticized environmental regulations as detrimental to growth and reiterated his long-standing opposition to wind energy, claiming it negatively impacts wildlife, specifically whales. “I want to be a whale psychiatrist,” he said, expressing concern for the effects of wind turbines on marine life.

Trump has increasingly criticized Harris, labeling her “not smart” and framing her as a greater threat than foreign adversaries. “If she becomes the president of the United States, which I can’t believe can happen, I don’t think this country is going to make it,” he warned. His attacks have intensified; during a recent rally, he claimed her policies would "kill thousands of people."

In a response to escalating tensions, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell issued a letter urging Harris to moderate her rhetoric, warning that inflammatory language could provoke violence against Trump. Notably, the letter did not address Trump’s previous use of the term "fascist" to describe Harris.

As the interview neared its conclusion, Trump noted the time, acknowledging his delay for the rally. “I’ve got to go make a great speech,” he said, adding, “And if I’m a little off tonight, I’m going to blame you.”