Rick Harrison Reflects on Apology from Trump After Backstage Incident

Rick Harrison, the well-known figure from the reality television series “Pawn Stars,” recently shared a unique anecdote involving former President Donald Trump. During an interview on the show “In Depth with Graham Bensinger,” Harrison recounted a memorable moment when Trump extended an unexpected apology to him.

Harrison explained that the unusual exchange took place during a political rally in 2018. In his vivid account, he noted how the incident stemmed from a backstage mix-up involving the Secret Service, leading to an unexpected encounter with the former president.

Backstage Mishap Leads to Unexpected Apology

Accompanied by his son Jake and daughter Serena, Harrison recalled attending a rally where he was set to introduce Trump. Initially, they received a warm welcome from the White House staff as they entered the venue. However, their excitement quickly turned to disappointment when they were denied access to the backstage area.

“We’re backstage and the Secret Service informs us that I’m not on the list,” Harrison recounted, still feeling the frustration of that moment. “Despite being Rick Harrison, they insisted that it didn’t matter. My attempts to reach out to various senators and congressmen for assistance proved futile, leaving me incredulous and angry.”

Harrison described how the Secret Service escorted him and his children into the public area, where they faced a crowd of eager supporters. He expressed his disappointment, particularly regarding his son’s anticipation of meeting the president.

Trump’s Response to the Incident

Just as they left the rally, Harrison received a call from Senator Heller. To his surprise, the senator informed him that Trump wanted to speak with him immediately. When Harrison finally connected with Trump, the former president expressed regret over the situation.

“The first thing he said was, ‘Rick, I am really sorry. This is all my fault. My White House staff should have informed the Secret Service. Please come back, and we will try to make this happen,’” Harrison recalled, emphasizing the sincerity of Trump’s apology.

Harrison humorously noted how one cannot simply tell a sitting president “no.” This moment underscored the bond between them, reminiscent of a unique exchange between a public figure and the president.

Harrison’s Political Views and Future Aspirations

Throughout his career, Harrison has been vocal about his conservative beliefs. Recently, he hinted at the possibility of political involvement, something he had previously denied. Reflecting on his family dynamics, Harrison has also spoken on more serious issues that have affected his personal life, particularly the tragic loss of his son Adam.

In 2024, Harrison experienced an unimaginable tragedy when Adam died from a fentanyl overdose. This personal loss heightened his awareness of the ongoing opioid crisis. He expressed his dismay toward politicians who he believes have not acted decisively against the problem.

Confronting the Opioid Crisis

In interviews following his son’s death, Harrison has openly criticized the political landscape for being “complicit” in the ongoing crisis. He stressed the need for immediate action to address drug trafficking, expressing his belief that authorities can do more to combat this pressing issue.

“The reality is that anyone can easily access fentanyl, and it has become a significant danger in our society,” he remarked passionately. Harrison advocates a firmer approach, suggesting that law enforcement should focus on arresting those who facilitate drug trafficking effectively.

The Urgency of Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis

Harrison’s call for action encompasses several critical areas. He believes the effort should begin by closing borders to prevent drugs from entering the country and ensuring that consequences are in place for those who transport these substances.

“Let’s make fentanyl deaths a rarity by enforcing strict penalties and minimizing the potential for drug misuse,” he declared emphatically. His advocacy reflects a broader concern about the current state of drug policy, which he finds lacking and troubling.

Political Responsibility in the Opioid Epidemic

When discussing the political climate, Harrison made it clear that he feels many elected officials have turned a blind eye to the realities of the opioid epidemic. He said, “Every day, it’s like there’s a plane crash of fatalities from fentanyl, yet no one seems willing to address it significantly.”

His views shed light on the urgency of political accountability regarding the drug crisis in America. Harrison emphasizes that it’s not just a personal battle but a national crisis requiring immediate action from all levels of government.

Moving Forward with Advocacy and Awareness

As Harrison continues to share his story and experiences, he seeks to raise awareness about the impact of opioid addiction on families. He hopes to ignite a more informed conversation surrounding the urgent need for comprehensive drug policies.

His past encounters with Trump and the significance of those moments reflect not only personal connections but also larger implications for political discourse in the United States. Ultimately, Harrison is committed to advocating for change and addressing the issues his family has faced with compassion and resolve.