Print
Close
Joe Rogan reveals Trump's surprising backstage remark about possible attack on UFC event
By CJ Womack
Published June 22, 2026
Podcaster Joe Rogan revealed Saturday that President Donald Trump responded with a blunt joke after the podcaster raised concerns about a possible terrorist attack at the June 14 UFC Freedom 250 at the White House.
Recalling the exchange with UFC champion Justin Gaethje and MMA trainer Trevor Wittman, Rogan said he had fears of being killed by terrorists at the widely covered event.
"I said to Trump, I go, ‘I hope we don’t die in a terrorist attack,’" Rogan said. "He goes, ‘We got to go somehow.’"
Rogan described being caught off guard by the president’s reply.
"I go, ‘What the f---, dude?’" Rogan said, laughing.
President Donald Trump, seated between Dana White and first lady Melania Trump. (Evan Vucci/Reuters)
TRUMP MARKS 80TH BIRTHDAY WITH PATRIOTIC UFC FREEDOM 250 SPECTACLE ON WHITE HOUSE SOUTH LAWN
The exchange came after Wittman said he had been uneasy attending the event because of the high-profile venue and possible security threat.
"I was honestly really nervous, Joe," Wittman said. "I was like, ‘Dude, there’s like, just again, being around everybody and something could happen.’"
The Justice Department said June 16 that five men had been arrested and charged in an alleged plot to attack government officials and others attending the event. Federal officials claim the alleged conspirators discussed using explosive-laden drones near the event to force an evacuation and then using snipers to fire on fleeing targets.
Gaethje, who defeated Ilia Topuria in the main event to win the UFC lightweight title, said he had accepted the possibility of danger before entering the Octagon.
Justin Gaethje said he accepted the risks surrounding the White House fight before defeating Ilia Topuria in the UFC Freedom 250 main event. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
FBI DISRUPTS ALLEGED EXPLOSIVE-DRONE PLOT TARGETING WHITE HOUSE UFC EVENT, OFFICIALS SAY
"F--- it," Gaethje said. "If I get taken out in the middle of the cage, how f---ing legendary would that be?"
Gaethje said the same scenario might have been memorable, but not one he wanted to experience.
"Everyone will remember it for the rest of eternity," Gaethje joked. "But no, I’ll pass," Wittman jokingly replied.
Rogan added that the night was better remembered for Gaethje's win than for any security incident.
"Better the way it went," Rogan said. "The way it went, way better."
Five men were arrested and charged in connection with an alleged plot to attack government officials and others attending UFC Freedom 250, according to the Justice Department. (Jacquelyn Martin- Pool/Getty Images)
JUSTIN GAETHJE TARGETS ILIA TOPURIA'S DIVORCE, IGNITING FEUD BEFORE WHITE HOUSE SHOWDOWN
"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."
He claimed the White House setting, military elements and Gaethje's upset victory gave the fight card historical weight.
"This is never going to happen again," Rogan said. "This is more historic than Rumble in the Jungle."
UFC Freedom 250 was held June 14 on the South Lawn of the White House as part of events tied to the country’s 250th anniversary and coincided with Trump’s 80th birthday.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The White House didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.
https://www.foxnews.com/media/joe-rogan-reveals-trumps-surprising-backstage-remark-possible-attack-ufc-event