Full Article: Interview with Former President Trump on Shawn Ryan Show

Former U.S. President Donald Trump sat down with former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor Shawn Ryan for a candid and wide-ranging interview on the Shawn Ryan Show. The conversation delved into several of the most pressing topics concerning veterans, national security, and the current state of the United States. The interview lasted over an hour and covered issues from the Afghan withdrawal, U.S.-China relations, border security, and the upcoming presidential election.

Key Takeaways

1. Addressing Allegations About Veterans: Trump opened the interview by addressing long-standing media allegations that he referred to wounded veterans as “suckers and losers.” He firmly denied these claims, asserting that the allegations were fabricated by “radical left” media outlets such as The Atlantic. Trump expressed his deep respect for veterans, citing his role in rebuilding the military and increasing service members’ pay.

2. The Afghan Withdrawal: One of the central topics was the 2021 U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, which Trump called “the most embarrassing day in the history of our country.” He condemned the Biden administration for the chaotic evacuation, the loss of American lives, and the abandonment of military equipment. Trump stated that he had negotiated with the Taliban during his presidency to ensure a more dignified and controlled withdrawal, in which no U.S. personnel were harmed during the 18 months leading up to the end of his administration.

3. U.S. Military and National Security: Trump criticized the current state of the military under the Biden administration, particularly pointing to leadership that he believes is more focused on “woke” agendas than national defense. He called for the removal of top military officials who oversaw the Afghanistan withdrawal and spoke about his success in defeating ISIS quickly during his presidency. He also emphasized his ability to maintain peace with other nations, particularly with Russia, China, and North Korea, claiming that under his leadership, the U.S. avoided major conflicts.

4. Immigration and Border Security: Trump reiterated his strong stance on border security, describing the current U.S. border situation as a disaster. He criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her handling of the border crisis and emphasized the importance of reestablishing strong immigration policies to protect the country from what he described as an influx of criminals, gang members, and terrorists.

5. Relations with Russia and China: Discussing the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump claimed that the conflict would never have happened under his administration, as he had a strong working relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also touched on China’s growing influence, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), and warned that the U.S. risks falling behind without significant investment in energy and AI development.

6. Upcoming 2024 Presidential Election: Looking ahead to the 2024 presidential election, Trump expressed confidence in his chances of winning, stating that the country is not ready for the “Marxist” ideologies of his opponents. He described the November 5th election as the most important in U.S. history, stressing the need for strong borders, voter ID laws, and an end to electronic voting machines.

7. Trust in Government: When asked about the public’s loss of trust in the U.S. government, Trump acknowledged the deep distrust but promised that if elected, he would hold corrupt officials accountable. He noted the importance of rebuilding institutions to restore the American people’s confidence in their government.

8. Final Words: Trump concluded the interview by encouraging Americans to vote in the upcoming election, calling it critical for the future of the nation. He urged his supporters to bring friends to the polls, emphasizing the importance of voter turnout.