Date: October 27, 2024, 11:47h.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024, 11:47h.
The extensive three-hour interview between former President Donald Trump and podcaster Joe Rogan delved into Trump’s approach to appointing key staff and administration officials as a political novice.
Trump revealed to Rogan that he relied on advice from his circle of friends and business associates due to his lack of experience in Washington politics.
Trump admitted, “I had no experience. I wasn’t a Washington guy, I was a New York guy. So, now I’m sitting there, and this place [the White House] is gorgeous but I don’t know anybody.”
He mentioned that he had always been involved in politics as a donor, and sought guidance from his network for crucial appointments.
Trump continued, “I was always involved in politics but usually from the standpoint of a donor. I was a big donor.”
During the conversation, Trump recounted how his close friend, Las Vegas casino mogul Phil Ruffin, cautioned him against selecting John Bolton as national security advisor.
Ruffin Warning
Ruffin, the owner of Treasure Island and Circus Circus in Las Vegas, has been a major supporter of Trump since 2016. He had voiced concerns about Bolton’s appointment to Trump, but the decision went ahead.
Bolton served for about a year and a half before resigning due to numerous disagreements with Trump. He later criticized Trump in his memoir, “The Room Where It Happened.”
Reflecting on Ruffin’s advice, Trump mentioned, “A friend of mine called me up. His name is Phil Ruffin. He said don’t pick him [Bolton]. He’s a bad guy. I already hired him,” Trump said to Rogan.
Ruffin’s financial support for Trump’s campaigns has been significant, totaling over $2.8 million to Trump super PACs and $1 million to GOP candidates.
Week From Election Day
As Election Day fast approaches, betting markets indicate Trump as the frontrunner for the 2024 presidential election.
On Polymarket, more than $2.3 billion in shares of Trump and Kamala Harris victories have been traded, with Trump leading at winning odds of 65% over Harris at 35%.
Smarkets and William Hill also show Trump as the favorite, with his winning odds surpassing Harris’s.