5 Bombshells From Donald Trump’s Controversial ‘Bussin’ With The Boys’ Podcast Appearance

The appearance of former President Donald Trump on the popular "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast in mid-October 2024 immediately became one of the most talked-about political and sports media events of the year. Hosted by former NFL players Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, the interview steered clear of typical political rallies and instead dove into a high-energy, locker-room-style discussion that covered everything from the former president's history as a sports owner to his controversial views on social issues in athletics. The episode, which dropped on or around October 15, 2024, delivered on the show's promise of a candid conversation, generating massive headlines and significant backlash from mainstream media outlets. The conversation with the 45th U.S. President was a massive "get" for the Barstool Sports-affiliated show, known for its unfiltered content and deep-dive interviews with athletes and celebrities. This deep-dive article breaks down the most impactful, controversial, and surprising moments from the high-profile podcast episode, providing a fresh look at the intersection of the sports world and top-tier American politics.

The Hosts and The Show: Who Are Will Compton and Taylor Lewan?

The "Bussin' With The Boys" podcast is one of the most successful sports podcasts in the industry, built on the chemistry and candid nature of its two hosts, both of whom had significant careers in the National Football League (NFL).

Will Compton: The 'Boy' and The Brain

* Full Name: William "Will" Compton * Born: September 19, 1989 (Bonaire, Georgia) * College: University of Nebraska (Nebraska Cornhuskers) * NFL Career: Linebacker (Washington Redskins, Tennessee Titans, New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders) * Role on Podcast: Often serves as the more measured, introspective interviewer, known for his deep football knowledge and ability to ask probing questions. Compton was the one who directly asked Trump about uniting America.

Taylor Lewan: The 'Boy' and The Personality

* Full Name: Taylor Curtis Lewan * Born: July 22, 1991 (Sacramento, California) * College: University of Michigan (Michigan Wolverines) * NFL Career: Offensive Tackle (Tennessee Titans) * Accolades: Three-time Pro Bowl selection (2016–2018) * Role on Podcast: Brings the high-energy, often irreverent, and humorous side to the show. His large personality and candid opinions are central to the podcast's appeal. Lewan's background as a dominant offensive lineman gives him a unique perspective on the sports world's inner workings. The podcast, which launched in 2019, has cultivated a massive following, particularly among young men and football fans, by offering an authentic and unscripted look into the lives of professional athletes. Their decision to host a major political figure like Donald Trump showcased the show's growing topical authority and its willingness to engage in controversial, high-stakes conversations that extend beyond the football field.

Five Biggest Bombshells from the Trump Interview

The interview was a whirlwind of memorable quotes and unexpected detours. Here are the five most significant takeaways that dominated the post-episode discussion and media coverage.

1. Raging Against Transgender Athletes in Women's Sports

Perhaps the most controversial segment of the interview involved Trump's strong stance on the inclusion of transgender athletes in women's sports. He explicitly "railed against" the policies allowing transgender women to compete in female categories, calling the current policies "so far...". His comments mirrored his consistent campaign rhetoric on the issue, which he has frequently used to galvanize his political base. The hosts, Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, listened as the former President expressed his belief that allowing biological males to compete in women's sports is fundamentally unfair, a view that immediately drew both praise from conservatives and fierce criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and progressives. This segment alone ensured the interview would not be confined to the sports pages.

2. Claiming the Interview Was a "BIGGEST Scandal In Broadcast History"

In a classic moment of self-aggrandizement, Trump declared that his appearance on the podcast would be remembered as one of the "BIGGEST Scandal In Broadcast history". This statement, made with his signature hyperbolic flair, was likely a nod to the anticipated media backlash he knew the hosts—and Barstool Sports—would face for giving him a platform. The quote quickly became a viral soundbite, encapsulating the high-stakes nature of the interview and the media's polarized reaction to his willingness to engage with non-traditional outlets like "Bussin' With The Boys." It also served to further elevate the podcast's profile, reinforcing its anti-establishment reputation.

3. The USFL vs. NFL History Deep Dive

A significant portion of the conversation focused on Trump's history in the sports ownership world, specifically his tumultuous tenure as an owner in the United States Football League (USFL) in the 1980s. He recounted anecdotes about his involvement with the USFL, a rival league to the established NFL. He discussed his role in pushing the USFL to move its season from the spring to the fall to directly compete with the NFL, a move that is widely credited with the league’s eventual collapse. Trump also touched on the infamous antitrust lawsuit the USFL brought against the NFL, which the USFL technically won, but only received a symbolic $1 in damages (trebled to $3). This segment provided a rare look into the former President’s early business ventures in the sports domain and his long-standing competitive relationship with the National Football League.

4. A Testy Exchange on Uniting America and the Olympics

Co-host Will Compton posed a serious question to Trump about his plan for "uniting the country," a central theme in the current political climate. While the full details of his answer on unity are extensive, the search results highlighted a "testy exchange" that occurred earlier in the interview regarding a controversy over Olympics boxing. The former President used the discussion to pivot to his core political messages, emphasizing themes of success and winning as the ultimate unifying forces. He also shared his insights on his favorite current NFL quarterbacks, demonstrating his continued interest in the sport and his ability to connect with the hosts on a purely athletic level.

5. The Admission of Never Resting

In a moment that speaks to his relentless public persona, Trump was quoted as saying he "DOES NOT Rest" during the interview. This statement reinforced the image he projects of a tireless worker and a non-stop political operator. This comment was a key entity in the discussion about his daily routine and work ethic, a topic often explored in interviews with high-level business and political figures. It added a layer of personal insight into the man behind the political platform, appealing to the show's audience of hard-working athletes and fans.

The Sports World Meets Politics: Reaction and Media Firestorm

The decision by Will Compton and Taylor Lewan to host Donald Trump was met with immediate and intense scrutiny from various corners of the media landscape. The interview was a clear example of the growing trend where political figures bypass traditional news outlets to speak directly to large, engaged audiences on non-political platforms.

Mainstream Media Scrutiny

Traditional news organizations and political commentators quickly pounced on the interview, criticizing the hosts for giving Trump an unfiltered platform, particularly on a show affiliated with Barstool Sports, which has a reputation for controversy. The focus of the criticism largely centered on the segment about transgender athletes, which was deemed inflammatory by many progressive outlets.

The Hosts' 'WOKE' Media Response

In the aftermath of the media attention, the "Bussin' With The Boys" hosts, Compton and Lewan, were quick to defend their decision and the nature of their interview. They offered a pointed and "PERFECT Response" to what they termed "WOKE" media criticism, asserting their right to interview whomever they choose and to have a candid conversation without the filter of political correctness. Their response underscored the culture clash between the traditional media's standards for political interviews and the raw, unscripted environment of a popular sports podcast. The hosts' defense of their editorial independence only amplified the topical authority of the episode, solidifying its place as a significant moment in the 2024 media cycle. The interview served as a powerful reminder of how former athletes, through the power of new media, have become influential gatekeepers in the national conversation.