Rick Harrison, best known as the boss of 'Pawn Stars,' has openly praised former President Donald Trump for his aggressive border policies following his son’s tragic death from a fentanyl overdose.
According to the New York Post, the reality star attributed positive change to Trump's administration, following a personal tragedy that struck his family.
In early 2024, Rick Harrison faced the devastating loss of his son Adam Harrison, who died at the age of 39 due to fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity. The Clark County, Nevada, coroners officially ruled his death an accident, a conclusion that shook the 'Pawn Stars' family deeply. This incident profoundly impacted Harrison, guiding his support towards Trump's stringent border control measures.
Trump’s administration responded swiftly to the rising crisis of drug overdoses when he issued an executive order suspending migrants from crossing the southern border, just two days after his second inauguration. Harrison has been vocal about his approval of these measures, attributing them to a drastic reduction in drug trafficking into the U.S.
During an emotional speech in Las Vegas, Harrison, while supporting Trump, did not mince words about the severity of the fentanyl crisis in America. "Closing the border was amazing," he told Fox News Digital, highlighting the border as a significant entry point for such drugs.
Harrison went on to express a stern viewpoint on the illegal drug trade: "I want anyone selling fentanyl to go to jail for the rest of their life," he stated. "They’re selling poison. They’re killing people." His statement reflects a harsh stance against drug dealers and a desperate plea for stricter legal repercussions.
Experts recognize that fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, is significantly more potent than heroin and morphine, which makes it extremely dangerous and often lethal. Its high potency and the ease with which dealers mix it with other substances make it a cheap but deadly option in the drug market.
After his son's death, President Trump personally reached out to Harrison to offer his condolences. This gesture was mentioned by Harrison during another talk where he remembered the period as extremely challenging. "I was kind of a train wreck at the time,” he admitted, revealing the extent of his grief.
The 'Pawn Stars' host further recalled the encouragement he received from Trump: "His administration was going to ‘do what we can’ to stop the fentanyl crisis," Harrison recounted. This support seemed to resonate with him, bolstering his faith in governmental efforts to curb drug trafficking.
Harrison’s reflections on the personal impacts of his son's death and the broader implications for national policy highlight a crucial public health issue. He praised the drastic drop in border crossings, which he believes has helped mitigate the drug influx.
Though deeply affected, Harrison is channeling his grief into advocacy and possibly a future in politics. "I keep on thinking about it," he said about running for office, indicating a potential shift from entertainment to political engagement.
Moreover, Harrison’s commitment extends beyond politics as he remains active in charity work, aiming to make a positive impact. He expressed, "I can’t change the world, but maybe I can make it a little bit better."
This ongoing battle against drug abuse and trafficking continues to be a central issue for many families across the United States. Harrison's loss has transformed him into a vocal advocate for stricter border control and harsher penalties for drug traffickers, hoping to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.
