Donald Trump Shares Thoughts on Cases Against Him: 'Just Say Screw it' - Newsweek

Former President Donald Trump said "screw it" to the stress he could be feeling about the criminal cases against him as the election draws closer.

The Republican nominee went on the "Bussin' with the Boys" podcast and told former NFL players Taylor Lewan and William Compton that he is trying not to think about the end of the election cycle and the pressures he has been facing from assassination attempts to accusations from the Democratic party.

Trump highlighted the criticism that former Presidents Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln faced, but said he's probably more "abused" than them. When asked how he "takes" the criticism and the indictments he's facing, Trump said he tries to not think too much about the court cases.

"I just say screw it. Whatever happens, happens, and do the right thing," Trump said. "You can't let it get you down ... It's serious but try not to take it so serious you become immobilized."

Trump said he has taken more hits than any other president, naming former electees like Andrew Jackson and Abraham Lincoln.

The Republican nominee was hit by a bullet at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. An AR-15 was used by Thomas Matthew Crooks to shoot the former president, striking his ear and killing one crowd member. Three weeks ago, another would-be assassin hid in the bushes at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, as the former president played. A Secret Service agent noticed the suspect before he was able to take a shot, possibly saving Trump's life again.

Trump and his campaign have also listed the different court cases and impeachment trials he has faced as the Democratic party coming after him. Trump was found guilty on May 30 of 34 counts of falsifying business records. Sentencing is scheduled for November 26. His case in front of the Georgia Court of Appeals for illegally trying to overturn his 2020 election loss in the state will have a hearing on December 5.

Trump said the court cases against him are fueling his popularity because his supporters agree with him that the indictments are intended to keep him from winning the election.

He started running for president because of trade and his knowledge as a businessman as well as the border, which he called the highest concern for voters this election. Trump said if he wins again this election, it will be the "biggest victory in the history of the country."

"I think the country has to have it," Trump said. "We've had four years of hardship...We're a nation in decline. It's got to be fixed."

Towards the end of the interview, Trump was asked how he finds time to rest with a demanding campaign schedule. Trump noted that he doesn't "really find much time to rest" and said he doesn't need eight hours of sleep. With less than a month until the election, Trump said running for the president is like going to the Super Bowl so he can't slow down.

"I can't take days off. I want to be in Wisconsin or I want to be in Michigan," Trump said.

Trump's been doing increasingly more podcasts in recent weeks and recently was on the Nelk Boys YouTube channel, where he also suggested he will be appearing on Joe Rogan's podcast.

Trump said his son Barron told him to join Lewan and Compton's podcast.

"You're in a young world," Trump said. "I've done a few of them and they've done well...this is a new world. It's changing."

Trump said on the "Bussin' With the Boys" podcast that he thinks the long-form podcast interviews changes audiences' opinions of him. He said he's "not a nice guy" but it makes people think he is.

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Monica is a Newsweek reporter based in Boston. Her focus is reporting on breaking news. Monica joined Newsweek in 2024. She is a graduate of Clark University, with a master's from both Clark University and Northwestern University. She was part of the team named a finalist for the Goldsmith Prize for Investigation as well as a winner of the George Polk award for their work uncovering Phillips Respironics wrongdoings with their breathing machines.

You can get in touch with Monica by emailing [email protected]. Languages: English.

Monica is a Newsweek reporter based in Boston. Her focus is reporting on breaking news. Monica joined Newsweek in 2024. ...Read more