Former President Donald Trump sat down for a three-hour interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast, in which he discussed his political career, potential 2024 campaign, and his perspective on the biggest mistake of his presidency. The long-form interview, conducted in Rogan’s signature open-conversation style, offered Trump a unique platform to speak directly to a large and varied audience, especially appealing to Rogan’s followers who often lean skeptical of mainstream politics.
One of the interview’s highlights was Trump’s reflection on his “biggest mistake” during his time in office. Without hesitation, he cited the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly his choice of key advisors on the matter. Trump expressed regret over decisions made by health officials in his administration, hinting that he should have approached pandemic management differently and questioned some of the early lockdown and quarantine measures that affected millions of Americans and businesses. He argued that these decisions played a significant role in the economic downturn and public frustration that followed. “I trusted the experts,” Trump told Rogan, “but looking back, I should have gone with my instincts on how we handled things.”
Trump’s comments about his pandemic response add to a larger ongoing debate about the decisions made in 2020, as lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine rollouts became intensely politicized. The former president suggested he should have listened to alternative voices, including those calling for more selective lockdowns or emphasizing personal choice in managing health risks. Trump’s admission reflects his awareness of the ongoing criticism regarding how the pandemic response affected the economy, education, and public sentiment.
Throughout the interview, Trump revisited other prominent issues from his presidency, including border security, trade policies, and his relationships with world leaders. He emphasized his belief that the United States lost some of its global standing following his departure from office, underscoring what he sees as the current administration’s lack of “strong leadership” on both domestic and international fronts.
For Rogan, who has a reputation for providing guests across the political spectrum with a relatively unfiltered platform, Trump’s appearance was part of his effort to feature a wide range of viewpoints. Trump’s conversation with Rogan allowed him to speak candidly about his regrets and plans, delivering a clear message to a younger, independent-minded audience that is less likely to tune into traditional political programming.
Ultimately, Trump’s reflection on his “biggest mistake” during the Rogan interview demonstrates his strategy for reconnecting with voters disillusioned by government handling of the pandemic and frustrated by ongoing political tensions. As the 2024 election nears, Trump’s appearance with Rogan suggests he is intent on broadening his appeal beyond his core supporters, addressing controversial issues head-on to connect with a broader base of American voters.