Rick Harrison, the popular personality from the reality TV show "Pawn Stars," has publicly praised former President Donald Trump for his stringent measures aimed at curbing the flow of fentanyl across the U.S.-Mexico border. Harrison's endorsement comes in the wake of a personal tragedy—his son Adam's death from a fentanyl overdose in January 2024.
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, Harrison expressed his appreciation for Trump's efforts, stating, "Closing the border was absolutely amazing. That's where it's all coming from." His comments reflect a growing concern over the opioid crisis, particularly the devastating impact of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, according to the California Department of Public Health.
Harrison's son, Adam, passed away at the age of 39 due to "fentanyl and methamphetamine toxicity," a tragedy that has profoundly affected the family. The Clark County, Nevada, coroner ruled his death an accident. Harrison recalled the moment when Trump reached out to him shortly after Adam's passing, offering condolences during a time when he felt particularly vulnerable. "I was kind of a train wreck at the time. I'll be completely honest," Harrison admitted, noting that he struggled to remember the details of their conversation.
Reflecting on the current state of border control, Harrison remarked, "Border crossings are down 98% or something like that. It was just coming across the border like crazy, and like, we just need to crack down." He believes that the measures taken during Trump's administration have made a significant difference in reducing the influx of drugs into the United States.
Harrison's comments come as the opioid crisis continues to ravage communities across the nation, with fentanyl playing a central role in the epidemic. "I want anyone selling fentanyl to go to jail for the rest of their life. They're selling poison. They're killing people. I think it's every 11 minutes someone dies from fentanyl in this country," he stated emphatically.
His sentiments highlight a growing frustration among many Americans who feel that more needs to be done to combat the fentanyl crisis. Harrison further suggested that harsher penalties for those caught selling fentanyl could deter its distribution, saying, "If you make the punishment for selling it so bad, it'll probably still be out there to some degree, but a lot of it'll go away. Close up the borders, you know, really start cracking down on these countries that are letting people manufacture it there."
Despite his personal loss, Harrison remains focused on making a positive impact. He has engaged in various charitable endeavors and hinted at the possibility of entering politics himself. "I keep on thinking about it. Eventually, probably, I will. But I'm really enjoying life right now," he said, adding that he recently proposed to his fiancée, Angie Polushkin, after dating for over a year.
As a longstanding figure in the entertainment industry, Harrison has been a part of "Pawn Stars," which debuted in 2009 and continues to air today. The show has gained a massive following, showcasing the buying and selling of unique items at his family-run pawn shop in Las Vegas.
While Harrison has not featured Adam on the show, he has acknowledged that his son worked at the shop and was involved in the family business. The loss of Adam has been a catalyst for Harrison's activism against the fentanyl crisis, leading him to become a vocal advocate for stricter drug policies.
Harrison's journey through grief has been intertwined with his views on drug policy and border control, as he believes that closing the borders is an essential step in addressing the fentanyl epidemic that has claimed countless lives. He remains hopeful that more can be done to protect families from the devastating effects of drug abuse.
In the midst of personal tragedy, Harrison's story serves as a poignant reminder of the real-world implications of drug policy and the ongoing battle against addiction in America. As he continues to navigate his own healing process, his voice adds to the larger conversation about how to effectively combat the opioid crisis and prevent further loss.
Rick Harrison's advocacy, rooted in his personal experiences, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the fentanyl crisis. His call for action resonates with many who have been affected by the epidemic, highlighting the importance of community support and governmental intervention in tackling this pressing issue.
As the nation grapples with the fallout from the opioid crisis, Harrison's insights and experiences remind us that behind every statistic is a personal story of loss and resilience. His journey is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the hope that change is possible, even in the face of overwhelming grief.
Looking ahead, Harrison's commitment to raising awareness and advocating for change may inspire others to join the fight against the fentanyl epidemic, fostering a collective effort to protect future generations from the dangers of addiction.
In a world where the opioid crisis continues to escalate, Rick Harrison's message is clear: action is needed, and it starts with closing the borders and holding those responsible accountable for their actions. As he navigates his own path forward, his story remains a powerful reminder of the need for compassion, understanding, and decisive action in the face of tragedy.
