Top-rated podcast host and longtime UFC commentator recently dished on President Donald Trump’s hilarious response to security concerns at the UFC’s historic White House event on June 14.
In the days following the event, Rogan sat down with UFC star Justin Gaethje and his longtime coach, Trevor Wittman. Gaethje defeated undefeated knockout artist Ilia Topuria via doctor’s stoppage in the fourth round of the main event on the White House card, which made him the undisputed lightweight champion for the first time in his career.
During the conversation, the three discussed security considerations that had been raised before the fights. Wittman described his state of mind ahead of the event, stating, “I was honestly really nervous, Joe. I was like, ‘Dude, there’s like, just again, being around everybody and something could happen.’”
Gaethje had a more accepting view of a potential security incident during the event. “I was like, ‘F**k it. If I get taken out in the middle of the cage, how fu**ing legendary would that be,” the recently-crowned champion chimed in. “Everyone will remember it for the rest of eternity,” he added jokingly.
Rogan then shared details of a conversation he had with President Trump at the event. Rogan recounted telling the president, “I said to Trump, I go, ‘I hope we don’t die in a terrorist attack.’” According to Rogan, Trump replied, “We’ve all gotta go somehow.”
HILARIOUS: Justin Gaethje: “I was like, f*ck it. If I get taken out in the middle of the case, how f*cking legendary would that be?”
Joe Rogan: “I said to Trump, ‘I hope we don’t die in a terrorist attack.’ He goes, ‘We gotta go somehow.’ I go, ‘What the f*ck, dude?’” pic.twitter.com/6y32fDS1mL
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) June 20, 2026
Rogan had raised security-related points about the event in earlier discussions. He noted the concentration of people at a single high-profile outdoor location and referenced the level of security that would be required. After the fights concluded, Rogan described the overall experience positively in subsequent comments, calling aspects of the card among the strongest he had been involved with in his commentary career.
The event proceeded with heightened security measures in place, however, which proved to be necessary.
Federal authorities later announced that a plot targeting the UFC Freedom 250 event had been disrupted. According to the Justice Department, five men were arrested and charged in connection with a plan to attack government officials and other attendees at the White House event. The alleged scheme involved the use of explosive-laden drones to create disruption, followed by additional actions by snipers.
The FBI became aware of the threat on June 10, and conducted a multi-state operation that resulted in the arrests. Officials described the planned attacks as having been stopped before they could be carried out.
