Sylvester Stallone made a grand entrance at Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago event on Thursday night, where he hailed the President-elect as the “second George Washington.” The event, which took place at Trump’s luxurious resort in Palm Beach, Florida, was attended by several prominent figures, including potential cabinet members like Matt Gaetz. It was also announced during the gala that North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum had been selected as the nominee for Interior Secretary.
Stallone, known for his iconic roles in films like Rocky, took the stage to praise Trump as a “mythical character” and drew parallels between the President-elect, Jesus Christ, and his own character, Rocky Balboa. “Nobody in the world could’ve pulled off what he pulled off. So I’m in awe,” Stallone remarked, expressing his admiration for Trump’s accomplishments.
Comparing Trump to George Washington, Stallone proclaimed, “We got the second George Washington. Congratulations!” This bold statement further solidified Stallone’s support for the incoming President and his belief in Trump’s ability to make a lasting impact on the world.
In a previous interview with Variety in 2016, Stallone had expressed his admiration for Trump, calling him a “great Dickensian character.” However, he also admitted uncertainty about Trump’s ability to lead the country, stating, “I don’t know how that translates to running the world.”
During a panel discussion at Mipcom in October, Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh shared Trump’s apparent jealousy towards Stallone during their time as television hosts. Trump, who was hosting “The Apprentice” at the same time Stallone was hosting “The Contender,” reportedly felt insecure about Stallone’s success in the reality TV realm. Despite holding the highest office in the country, Trump seemed preoccupied with proving himself as a better TV personality than Stallone.
The event at Mar-a-Lago showcased the unique relationship between Stallone and Trump, with Stallone’s glowing praise for the President-elect highlighting their shared history in the entertainment industry. As Trump prepares to take office, it is clear that he has the support of influential figures like Stallone, who see him as a transformative leader akin to a historical legend.