Former President Donald Trump recently appeared on comedian Theo Von's podcast, "This Past Weekend," where the two engaged in a candid conversation covering topics ranging from addiction and health care to the current political landscape.

During the hourlong discussion, Trump shared his personal views on substance abuse and pharmaceutical lobbying and speculated on the state of the 2024 presidential election, Fox News reported.

Trump's appearance on the podcast was orchestrated by UFC CEO Dana White, with the former president revealing that his youngest son, Barron Trump, is a fan of Theo Von and encouraged him to accept the interview invitation. This set the stage for a conversation that would blend both personal and political themes, offering listeners a unique insight into Trump's perspectives.

Trump's Stance on Substance Abuse

A significant portion of the conversation revolved around addiction, a topic close to both Trump and Von. Trump, who is known for his strong anti-drug, anti-alcohol, and anti-smoking stance, reiterated his personal beliefs during the interview. He emphasized the importance of steering clear of these substances, a message he regularly conveys to his children.

"I tell people — no drugs, no drinking, no cigarettes," Trump stated firmly, underscoring his long-held views. He added, "I tell that to my kids all the time, I say, 'No drugs, no drinking, no smoking.'"

Von, who has openly discussed his struggles with addiction in the past, shared his own experiences during the podcast. He particularly mentioned his history with cocaine use, prompting Trump to ask about its effects compared to alcohol. Von responded with humour, describing the intensity of the drug's effects.

"Cocaine will turn you into a damn owl, homie — you know what I'm saying?" Trump quipped, to which Von humorously replied, "You'll be out on your own porch. You'll be your own streetlamp."

Discussion on Pharmaceutical Lobbying and Health Care

The conversation soon shifted to broader issues, with Trump discussing the opioid crisis and the influence of pharmaceutical lobbyists. Reflecting on his administration's approach, Trump suggested that stricter regulations could prevent conflicts of government interest.

Trump proposed, "You could say that if you're an elected official or if you work in government, you can never be a lobbyist." He argued that those who award government contracts should face a ban on becoming lobbyists after leaving office to prevent undue influence and corruption.

This stance aligns with Trump's broader critique of the political system, where he frequently calls for reforms to reduce the influence of special interests in Washington. His comments on the podcast highlighted his ongoing concerns about the intersection of politics, health care, and big pharma.

Von's Views on President Biden's Health

As the discussion turned to the 2024 presidential election, Theo Von expressed his concerns about President Joe Biden's well-being, comparing Biden's situation to that of his elderly father.

Von said, "My dad was really 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." He expressed frustration with how Biden's health is portrayed, stating, "It made me really 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 cruellest thing you could do."

Trump agreed with Von's concerns, speculating that prominent Democratic leaders, such as Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, might have pressured Biden into stepping aside for the upcoming election.

Trump's Relationship with Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The interview also covered speculation about Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., an independent candidate in the 2024 race. Theo Von, who supports Kennedy, asked Trump about rumors that Kennedy had been considered as a potential running mate.

Trump quickly dismissed the rumors but spoke positively about Kennedy, stating, "I like him, I always liked him." He acknowledged the challenges Kennedy faced as a third-party candidate in a predominantly two-party system.

Trump remarked, "He's a good man. He's in there pitching his stuff. It's a two-party system, and he's a third party. It's a tough thing." He also noted the strong opposition Kennedy faced from the Democratic Party, adding, "And the Democrats have really opposed him vehemently. I haven't, but the Democrats have really opposed him."

Reflecting on Trump's Podcast Appearance

Trump's appearance on Theo Von's podcast gave a rare glimpse into his thoughts on personal and political matters. The conversation spanned a range of issues, from Trump's firm stance against substance abuse to his concerns about the political system and the upcoming election.

Von used the interview to share his own experiences and engage in a dialogue with one of the most influential figures in recent American politics. The blend of humor, personal stories, and serious political discussion created a compelling episode that resonated with listeners across the political spectrum.

As the 2024 presidential election approaches, Trump's appearance on "This Past Weekend" underscores the ongoing relevance of his views and the continued interest in his potential return to the White House. Whether discussing the dangers of addiction or the complexities of the political landscape, Trump remains a figure whose words carry significant weight.