Sylvester Stallone, the legendary actor best known for his role as Rocky Balboa, surprised attendees at the America First Policy Institute’s black-tie gala at Mar-a-Lago on Thursday night. The event marked a rare public alignment with politics for Stallone, who introduced President-elect Donald Trump with a glowing speech that left the audience in awe.
A Mythical Comparison
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Stallone began by reflecting on his iconic 1976 film, Rocky, drawing a parallel between its themes of transformation and Trump’s political journey.
“When I made Rocky, the opening scene was a church-turned-boxing ring, and the journey was about a man destined to change lives,” Stallone said. “In many ways, President Trump embodies that same mythological figure—someone who defies the odds and reshapes the world.”
Stallone didn’t stop there, declaring Trump “the second George Washington.” Comparing Trump to the Founding Father, Stallone said, “George Washington didn’t know he would change the world when he defended his country. Similarly, we’re witnessing something extraordinary with President Trump.”
Trump Responds to Stallone’s Praise
The heartfelt introduction concluded with Stallone shaking hands with Trump, who then took the stage. “Sly doesn’t do this kind of thing often, and he did a beautiful job,” Trump remarked.
A Shift from Political Neutrality
Stallone’s appearance is particularly noteworthy given his history of avoiding political entanglements. The actor has long maintained a neutral stance, declining to endorse candidates during the 2016, 2020, and 2024 elections.
In the past, Stallone expressed admiration for both Trump and President Joe Biden, describing Biden as a “great guy” and stating he avoided voting to maintain his neutrality.
A Complicated Relationship with Trump
Stallone’s relationship with Trump has been both cordial and complex. After Trump’s 2016 election win, Stallone gifted him a signed poster with the message, “greatest knockout in history.” The gesture reportedly led to Trump considering Stallone for the role of chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, though Stallone declined, citing his lack of qualifications and desire to stay out of Washington.
The two have crossed paths on several occasions, including a New Year’s Eve party at Mar-a-Lago and a 2018 Oval Office visit to pardon boxing legend Jack Johnson. However, Stallone has also denied reports of officially joining Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, calling such claims “not true.”
A Star-Studded Evening
Stallone wasn’t the only high-profile guest at the gala. The event was attended by a range of figures, including Vice President-elect JD Vance, Donald Trump Jr., RFK Jr. and his wife Cheryl Hines, Tucker Carlson, and Argentina’s President Javier Milei.
A Surprising Turn
Stallone’s decision to publicly back Trump marks a shift for the actor, whose career has often steered clear of political affiliations. Whether this signals a new chapter for the Rambo star or simply a one-time endorsement, it has certainly added an unexpected twist to the ever-evolving intersection of Hollywood and politics.