Joe Rogan burst into laughter on his podcast as he recalled President Donald Trump's nonchalant response to his concerns about a potential terrorist attack during the White House's UFC Freedom 250 event last weekend. Rogan told Trump, 'I hope we don't die in a terrorist attack,' to which the president replied, 'We gotta go somehow.' A bewildered Rogan responded, 'What the f**k, dude?'
Podcast Discussion with MMA Trainer and Fighter
During Saturday's episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan recounted the conversation with Trump after his guest, MMA trainer Trevor Wittman, admitted he had been 'really nervous' that 'something could happen' at the fighting event. Wittman cited the possibility of drone strikes amid the president's conflict with Iran. Another guest, UFC Lightweight Champion Justin Gaethje, who fought at the event, shared his own fatalistic thoughts: 'I was like, “F**k it. If I get taken out in the middle of the cage, how f**king legendary would that be?”'
Rogan Praises the Event as 'F**king Phenomenal'
Elsewhere in the episode, Rogan lauded the White House UFC fights, held to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and concurrently celebrate Trump's 80th birthday. 'It was one of the greatest events that any sporting event has ever put on,' Rogan said. 'I mean, maybe the greatest sporting event in the history of the world … I'm so happy I went. I'm so happy I was there to see it live. It was a real honor.'
Controversy Surrounding the Event
Demonstrators in Washington and across the U.S. protested Trump's UFC event, which was the first private, for-profit sporting event ever held on White House grounds. Critics slammed the spectacle for numerous reasons, including Trump's undisclosed ownership of shares in TKO Group Holdings, the UFC's parent company, and the fact that the event proceeded despite ongoing conflict with Iran. Further scrutiny arose after UFC heavyweight fighter Josh Hokit falsely accused former first lady Michelle Obama of being a man during his post-match interview with Rogan on the White House lawn.
