Former President Donald Trump recently appeared on comedian Theo Von's podcast "This Past Weekend," engaging in a wide-ranging conversation that touched on topics from substance abuse to presidential politics.
According to a report by Fox News, Trump's youngest son, Barron, encouraged him to accept the invitation to appear on the show.
During the hour-long interview, Trump and Von discussed various subjects, including the opioid crisis, pharmaceutical industry influence, and Trump's stance on alcohol and drug use.
The former president also shared his thoughts on independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and speculated about the circumstances surrounding President Biden's decision not to run for reelection in 2024.
The unique interview setup was influenced by UFC CEO Dana White and Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, who admires Theo Von’s work. Barron’s suggestion led to a dialogue that not only covered personal philosophies but also delved into the current political landscape.
Trump commented on the pharmaceutical industry's impact on policy-making. He criticized the seamless transition of government officials to lobbying roles, which he believes could be prevented with stringent rules. Theo Von, sharing personal anecdotes, spoke about his battles with cocaine use. His vivid descriptions painted a grim picture of the drug's effects.
Further into their discussion, Trump speculated on the recent resignation of President Joe Biden from the 2024 presidential race, suggesting that Biden was pressured by leading Democratic figures.
This aligned with Theo Von’s concerns about Biden’s well-being, emphasizing the ethical implications of his leadership portrayal. Von stated:
My dad was old when I was born. My dad was 70 when I was born. So I don't like seeing senior citizens get taken advantage of. It made me angry because I know [Biden's] not well – it's not fair to pretend that he's well. It's not fair to him because he doesn't know you're pretending. And it just seemed like the cruelest thing you could do.
Von also questioned Trump about the possibility of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an independent candidate, being his running mate, which Trump flatly denied. He acknowledged Kennedy’s qualities but underscored the difficulties of a third-party candidature in a two-party system.
Trump articulated his concerns regarding the lobbying landscape, particularly criticizing the reciprocal nature between government officials and private sector engagements post-service. His observations suggest a need for reform to prevent conflicts of interest within government contracts.
Trump’s attendance at a talk at the Livingston County Sheriff's Office in Howell, Michigan, was noted just before his podcast appearance, reinforcing his active engagement in various public speaking fronts.
The podcast served as a platform for Trump to express his thoughts on personal and political matters and illuminated the intersection of celebrity culture and political discourse.
The conversation covered Trump's views on cocaine use, his anti-drug stance, and his thoughts on Biden's health. Trump discussed potential measures to combat drug abuse and pharmaceutical industry influence in government. He also addressed rumors about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a potential running mate and shared his perspective on Biden's debate performance. The interview provided insights into Trump's personal views and potential policy positions, touching on both political and social issues.
