Rick Harrison of ‘Pawn Stars’ Reveals Special Bond with Donald Trump, Considers Political Future Amidst Personal Tragedy
Rick Harrison, the recognizable face from the hit reality TV show "Pawn Stars," has opened up about his unique relationship with former President Donald Trump. In a candid interview with Graham Bensinger on "In Depth," Harrison recounted an incident that highlighted the unexpected personal connection he shares with the former president, while also hinting at a potential foray into the world of politics. This revelation comes amidst a deeply personal tragedy for Harrison – the loss of his son, Adam, to a fentanyl overdose – which has fueled his passionate criticism of current border policies and political inaction on the drug crisis.
Harrison, who identifies as a longtime conservative, described an episode in 2018 where he was invited to announce Trump at a rally in Las Vegas. Excited about the opportunity, Harrison arrived with his son, Jake, and daughter, Serena. They were initially greeted warmly by White House staff and ushered backstage. However, their entry was abruptly blocked by Secret Service personnel who informed them that Harrison’s name was not on the official guest list.
Despite the efforts of White House staff and Harrison’s friends to vouch for him, the Secret Service remained firm, denying him access. Frustrated and embarrassed, Harrison found himself pushed back into the public area where he was quickly swarmed by fans. Unable to navigate the crowd, he and his family were forced to leave the rally altogether, a particularly disappointing experience for his son who had been eager to meet the president.
"I’m f***ing pissed," Harrison admitted, recounting his reaction to Bensinger. He was not only upset about the embarrassing situation but also disappointed that he couldn’t fulfill his son’s excitement.
Shortly after leaving the venue, Harrison received an unexpected call. Senator Heller appeared on his phone, and before Harrison could even express his frustration, the senator informed him that President Trump wanted to speak with him. According to Harrison, Trump immediately apologized for the mishap.
"Rick, I am really sorry," Trump reportedly said. "This is all my fault, because my White House staff, they work for me. They screwed up. That makes it my fault. I’m sorry. They should have informed the Secret Service. So, I’m sorry, will you please come back down to the convention center? We’ll try and make this happen."
Harrison, taken aback by the president’s personal apology, felt he couldn’t refuse. He returned to the rally, demonstrating the respect and connection that existed between the reality star and the former president.
Beyond this anecdote, Harrison hinted at a potential shift in his career trajectory. Having previously dismissed any political ambitions, he now suggests that he might be open to entering the political arena. When asked about the possibility of running for governor, Harrison responded, "Give it a few years. I might." He expressed a desire to make a positive impact on the world, stating, "I know I can’t completely change the world, but I would like to leave it in a better place. Just changed a little bit, to make it a little bit better."
Harrison pointed to his extensive charity work as evidence of his commitment to improving society, suggesting that his experience and values would make him a capable leader. "I do a lot of work with charity work and stuff like that. I’m proud of that. So maybe. I think I would do a good job at it."
The discussion of Harrison’s political future emerges at a particularly sensitive time, following the tragic death of his son, Adam, in January 2024. Adam’s passing, attributed to a fentanyl overdose, has deeply affected Harrison and fueled his outspoken criticism of political policies he believes are contributing to the drug crisis.
Following the loss of his son, Harrison has become a vocal advocate for stricter border control and more aggressive measures to combat the flow of fentanyl into the United States. He has been critical of politicians, both past and present, for their perceived inaction on the issue, accusing them of being "complicit" in the deaths caused by fentanyl.
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Harrison described the current border policy as "absolutely ridiculous," blaming politicians for failing to prevent drugs from entering the country. "Nothing is getting done about it," he stated. "It’s the equivalent of a 737 [airplane] loaded with passengers crashing every single day. That’s how many people die from it. And, you know, the politicians don’t want to talk about it. The news doesn’t want to talk about it. A big part of it is politics. I mean, we know where it’s all coming from. It’s all coming right across the border, and they won’t do anything about it. I mean, they’re doing nothing."
Harrison has proposed a multi-pronged approach to tackling the fentanyl crisis, including increased border security, stricter penalties for drug traffickers, and a focus on reducing the accessibility and affordability of fentanyl. He suggested arresting those selling and smuggling the drug, closing down the border, and making it more expensive to obtain. His ultimate goal is to make fentanyl-related deaths a rare occurrence.
Harrison’s personal connection to President Trump further complicates the narrative surrounding his activism. He has praised Trump for his willingness to address the fentanyl crisis, describing him as "an incredible individual" who "wants to do something about this." This endorsement, coupled with his potential entry into politics, positions Harrison as a potentially influential voice in the conservative movement, particularly on issues related to border security and drug control.
The details surrounding Adam Harrison’s death highlight the pervasiveness of the fentanyl crisis. According to an incident report, Adam was found dead at a guesthouse in the Las Vegas area where he had been residing for two weeks prior to his death. This underscores the ease with which individuals can access and succumb to the deadly effects of fentanyl, even in seemingly secure environments.
Rick Harrison’s story is one of personal tragedy, political awakening, and an unlikely bond with a former president. As he contemplates a potential run for governor and continues to advocate for solutions to the fentanyl crisis, his voice is likely to become increasingly prominent in the national conversation. Whether he ultimately chooses to enter the political arena remains to be seen, but his experiences and his connection to figures like Donald Trump ensure that he will remain a figure of interest and influence for years to come.
