Podcast host Joe Rogan shared details of a humorous exchange he had with President Donald Trump during the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House, recounting the conversation during a recent discussion with UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje and coach Trevor Wittman.
The exchange took place following the June 14 event, which featured UFC fights on the White House grounds and drew national attention for its unique setting.
Rogan discussed the interaction while hosting Gaethje and Wittman on his podcast in the days after the event.
The conversation began as the three men reflected on security concerns surrounding the outdoor card.
Wittman said he felt uneasy before the event because of the concentration of high-profile figures gathered in one location.
“I was honestly really nervous, Joe,” Wittman said.
“I was like, ‘Dude, there’s like, just again, being around everybody and something could happen,’” he added.
Gaethje took a lighter approach when discussing the possibility of danger.
“I was like, ‘F*ck it. If I get taken out in the middle of the cage, how fu*king legendary would that be,’” Gaethje joked.
“Everyone will remember it for the rest of eternity,” he added.
Rogan then described a conversation he had directly with Trump during the event.
According to Rogan, he approached the president and joked about concerns over a possible terrorist attack.
“I said to Trump, I go, ‘I hope we don’t die in a terrorist attack,’” Rogan recalled.
According to Rogan, Trump responded with a brief remark that drew laughter from those involved in the conversation.
“We’ve all gotta go somehow,” Trump replied, according to Rogan.
The exchange quickly gained attention online after clips from the podcast began circulating on social media.
Prior to the event, Rogan had publicly discussed the significant security challenges associated with hosting a major sporting event on White House grounds.
He noted the unique risks involved in gathering thousands of spectators, athletes, government officials and media members in a single outdoor venue.
Despite those concerns, Rogan later described the event as one of the strongest fight cards he had experienced during his years as a UFC commentator.
The White House event ultimately proceeded under extensive security measures.
Federal officials later announced that law enforcement agencies had disrupted an alleged plot targeting the event before it could be carried out.
According to the Justice Department, five men were arrested and charged in connection with an alleged scheme aimed at attacking government officials and other attendees.
Authorities said the plan involved the use of explosive-laden drones to create chaos before additional attacks by snipers, per Trending Politics.
Federal investigators stated that the FBI became aware of the alleged threat on June 10.
A multi-state operation was launched, resulting in the arrests before the event took place.
Officials said the planned attack was prevented before any actions could be carried out.
The UFC Freedom 250 event went forward as scheduled and featured Gaethje’s victory over Ilia Topuria in the main event.
Gaethje captured the undisputed lightweight championship after the bout was stopped by doctors in the fourth round.
The event remains one of the most high-profile sporting spectacles ever hosted at the White House.
