Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone has publicly endorsed US President-elect Donald Trump, drawing parallels between Trump and revered historical figures. Speaking at a gala in Mar-a-Lago, Stallone’s comments have ignited discussions across the political and entertainment spectrum.
During his address at the America First Policy Institute Gala on Thursday, Stallone lauded Trump as a “mythical character,” explicitly comparing him to George Washington and even suggesting parallels to Jesus Christ, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Stallone, whose illustrious career reached its zenith during Trump’s initial foray into real estate prominence, conveyed deep admiration for the incoming president’s accomplishments, asserting that Trump’s achievements were unparalleled.
“We’re in the presence of a really mythical character,” Stallone declared to the assembled audience. “I love mythology. And this individual does not exist on this planet. Nobody in the world could have pulled off what he pulled off, so I’m in awe.” This strong statement immediately positioned Stallone’s endorsement as particularly noteworthy, given his celebrity status and the generally liberal leanings of Hollywood.
Stallone further elaborated on his comparison, specifically drawing a line between Trump and George Washington. “When George Washington defended his country, he had no idea that he was gonna change the world… Guess what? We got the second George Washington,” Stallone stated. This bold assertion directly links Trump to the founding father of the United States, suggesting a similar world-altering impact and revolutionary spirit. The comparison to George Washington is particularly striking given Washington’s iconic status in American history and his leadership during the nation’s founding.
The actor also extended the analogy to his own iconic ‘Rocky’ persona, illustrating transformations in both Trump’s and Rocky’s narratives. “At that moment, he was a chosen person… this man was gonna go through a metamorphosis and change lives, just like President Trump,” Stallone explained. By invoking Rocky’s journey, Stallone framed Trump’s political trajectory as a transformative and impactful force, akin to the fictional boxer’s rise against adversity.
Following Stallone’s enthusiastic endorsement, Trump took the stage. The two figures exchanged a handshake, visually underscoring a moment of mutual respect and solidifying Stallone’s public support. This interaction further amplified the significance of Stallone’s endorsement within the context of the gala and Trump’s broader political standing.
Stallone’s public backing places him among a select group of Hollywood personalities who support Trump, a group that includes actors Kelsey Grammer and Drea de Matteo, as well as YouTube personality Jack Paul. This endorsement arrives despite the entertainment industry’s prevailing support for Democratic candidates, particularly Kamala Harris, during the recent election cycle. The gala itself, hosted by the America First Policy Institute, which functions as a think tank aligned with Trump’s political ideology, served as a fundraising event to bolster his policy initiatives. Described by some as a “White House in waiting,” the institute advocates for policies including import tariffs, corporate tax reductions, religious freedom protections, and reversals of certain climate change regulations.
In conclusion, Sylvester Stallone’s endorsement of Donald Trump, highlighted by his comparisons to George Washington and his own Rocky character, represents a significant moment. His remarks at the America First Policy Institute Gala underscore the continued influence of celebrity endorsements in politics and offer a compelling narrative framing Trump’s legacy within a historical and even mythical context.
