Rick Harrison was mistakenly denied backstage access by Secret Service at a 2018 Trump rally in Las Vegas, despite being invited to introduce Trump.
After Harrison and his children had to leave due to being mobbed, he received a call initiated by Senator Dean Heller, patching him through to President Trump.
Trump personally apologized to Harrison, stating, 'Rick, I am really sorry. This is all my fault... They screwed up. That makes it my fault,' and asked him to return.
Harrison, whose son Adam tragically died from a fentanyl overdose in 2024, has praised Trump's stance on combating the fentanyl crisis and criticized current border policies.
The reality star also hinted at potential future political ambitions, suggesting he might consider running for office in a few years.
Why this matters:: This incident provides a glimpse into a direct interaction between a celebrity figure and a president, showcasing Trump's handling of a staff error. It also contextualizes Harrison's public support for Trump, linking it to personal tragedy and policy stances, particularly regarding the fentanyl epidemic.
During a 2018 rally in Las Vegas where Rick Harrison was scheduled to introduce then-President Trump, a logistical error led to an unexpected turn of events. As Harrison recounted on 'In Depth with Graham Bensinger,' he arrived with his son and daughter, was greeted by White House staff, but then abruptly stopped by Secret Service backstage.
Despite explanations that he was 'Rick Harrison,' the agents maintained he wasn't on their list and denied entry. Unable to reach contacts who could resolve the situation and finding himself mobbed by the public after being directed away from the secure area, a frustrated Harrison had to leave with his children.
Shortly after, Harrison received a call from Senator Dean Heller, who connected him directly with President Trump. Harrison recalled Trump's first words were an apology, taking full responsibility for the White House staff's failure to coordinate with the Secret Service. Trump asked Harrison to come back, which he did.
This personal interaction adds context to Harrison's known support for Trump. This support has become particularly vocal following the death of his son, Adam, from a fentanyl overdose in early 2024. Harrison has strongly criticized the border situation, blaming politicians for being 'complicit' in fentanyl deaths by not taking sufficient action to stop drugs from entering the country. He praised Trump as someone who 'wants to do something about this.' Harrison has also recently suggested that after years of denying political ambitions, he might consider running for office in the future.
** Why was Rick Harrison denied access to the Trump rally?
A:: He wasn't on the Secret Service's pre-approved list for backstage access due to a communication breakdown, even though White House staff had invited him.
** How did Donald Trump respond to the situation?
A:: Trump personally called Harrison, apologized directly, accepted responsibility for the staff error, and requested Harrison return to the convention center.
** What are Rick Harrison's views on the fentanyl crisis?
A:: Following his son's death from fentanyl, Harrison has become a vocal critic of current border policies, blaming political inaction for the crisis and advocating for stricter measures to stop drug trafficking. He supports Trump's approach to the issue.
** Is Rick Harrison considering a career in politics?
A:: While he previously dismissed the idea, Harrison recently indicated he might run for office 'in a few years,' stating he believes he could do a good job and wants to help improve things.
This account offers insight into a specific interaction between Donald Trump and Rick Harrison, highlighting a personal apology from the then-President.
Understand that Harrison's strong stance on the fentanyl crisis and border control is deeply connected to the personal tragedy of losing his son.
Note Harrison's potential shift towards entering politics in the future.
What are your thoughts on this interaction and Rick Harrison's perspective? Let us know!
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