In a revealing episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," former President Donald Trump displayed a scar incurred during an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally.
On July 13, while campaigning in Butler, Pennsylvania, former President Donald Trump narrowly escaped death when an assailant fired at him from a distance.
The New York Post reported that the interview on Joe Rogan's podcast, which aired unexpectedly on October 25, 2024, gave listeners a rare glimpse of the physical scars left by the ordeal.
Trump joined Rogan at his Austin, Texas studio, detailing the events of that fateful day. During the two-hour and fifty-eight-minute episode, Trump shared, "It zicked right there," pointing to the scar behind his right ear where the bullet had grazed him.
This injury was the result of a gunshot from Thomas Matthew Crooks, who targeted Trump from 130 yards away atop a rooftop.
Aware of the gravity of the situation, Trump reflected on the incident with marked intensity. His recollection not only focused on the physical brush with death but also touched on the mental toll such an event can exact.
He noted how the incident was significant yet not as debilitating as injuries seen in combat sports, saying, "It’s not like some of the wrestlers, some of the UFC fighters… it was sort of like a top shot. The thing’s taken off a little bit."
The conversation also shifted to how political figures are portrayed in the media. Rogan, ever the provocateur, mentioned the divisive rhetoric often used against Trump.
He alluded to comments by prominent Democrats, including Vice President Kamala Harris and Hillary Clinton, implying an extreme demonization of Trump's actions and policies that echoed historical villains, stating, "The rhetoric is that you’re Hitler, and to stop Hitler, you have to do whatever it takes."
Trump’s stoic yet defiant demeanor during the interview shed light on the personal philosophy that guided his presidency. He expressed a profound understanding of his decisions, "I do things that don’t necessarily make me so popular. I just do what’s right."
This line of thought was a recurring theme, highlighting his perspective on leadership and the innate risks that come with public office. "You make yourself a target, and it’s a very dangerous business," he mused.
The former President spoke about the resilience forged by the attempt on his life. He conveyed that such experiences had toughened him, stating, "But it makes me a tougher guy."
This sentiment seemed to resonate with both Rogan and the audience, providing a moment of clarity into the often turbulent life of political figures.
In reviewing the events of July 13 and the subsequent interview, it is apparent that Trump's experience with the assassination attempt has left a lasting imprint, not only physically but also on his worldview.
From showing his scar to discussing the broader implications of his policy decisions, Trump's dialogue with Rogan offered a complex picture of how close encounters with mortality can shape a public figure's outlook and resolve.