Sylvester Stallone, the legendary actor and filmmaker, made headlines at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) Gala on Thursday when he introduced President-elect Donald Trump with a bold comparison, calling him the “second George Washington.”
Stallone’s Impactful Introduction
Taking the stage at Mar-a-Lago, Stallone, known worldwide for his iconic portrayal of “Rocky,” delivered a concise yet powerful speech. His remarks, lasting just two minutes, were a heartfelt homage to Trump’s accomplishments and determination. Stallone began by drawing parallels between his fictional character and the president-elect, highlighting a shared resilience and transformative impact.
“We are in the presence of a really mythical character. Nobody in the world could have pulled off what he pulled off, so I’m in awe,” Stallone stated.
A Historic Comparison
Stallone deepened his praise by likening Trump to George Washington, America’s first president and a foundational figure in its history. With an air of reverence, Stallone emphasized Trump’s role in shaping the nation’s future.
“When George Washington defended his country, he had no idea that he was going to change the world because without him, you could imagine what the world would look like. Guess what? We’ve got the second George Washington. Congratulations!” he declared to a rousing reception, as Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” played in the background.
A Symbolic Moment at Mar-a-Lago
Following Stallone’s introduction, Trump took to the stage, shaking the actor’s hand and sharing a brief exchange before addressing the crowd. The interaction symbolized mutual respect between two prominent figures.
Though Stallone has largely kept his political views private, his comments at the gala marked a rare moment of public support for Trump.
Stallone’s Past Views on Trump
While Stallone did not publicly endorse Trump during the 2024 election cycle, his admiration for the president-elect isn’t new. In a 2016 interview with Variety, Stallone spoke highly of Trump, likening him to legendary figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Babe Ruth.
“I love Donald Trump,” Stallone said at the time. “There are certain people like Arnold [Schwarzenegger], Babe Ruth, that are bigger than life. But I don’t know how that translates to running the world.”
Despite his admiration, Stallone admitted to not voting in the 2016 and 2020 elections. More recently, he encouraged Pennsylvania voters to “keep punching” during a FaceTime call with Fox News’ Brett Baier in October.
A New Chapter in Stallone’s Political Commentary
Stallone’s speech at the AFPI Gala signals a notable shift, as it marks the first time he has publicly expressed his thoughts on a Trump presidency. For many, his words underscore a larger narrative of unwavering support for the president-elect as Trump prepares for his new term.
