At the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) Gala, actor and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone took the stage to introduce President-elect Donald Trump, delivering a brief but powerful speech that resonated with the audience. In his remarks, Stallone called Trump the “second George Washington,” a testament to his admiration for the president’s leadership and impact on the nation.
Stallone, best known for his iconic role as “Rocky,” began by drawing a parallel between his character’s transformation in the famous film series and President Trump’s transformative leadership. He praised Trump for his ability to bring about change on a scale few could imagine. “We are in the presence of a really mythical character,” Stallone said, expressing awe at Trump’s unprecedented rise and accomplishments. He emphasized that Trump’s success was no small feat and that his influence on the country, and the world, would be felt for generations.
The actor continued by comparing Trump’s dedication to America to that of George Washington, the nation’s first president. “When George Washington defended his country, he had no idea that he was going to change the world,” Stallone said. “But guess what? We’ve got the second George Washington.” His words were met with applause as he wrapped up his speech and Lee Greenwood’s patriotic anthem, “God Bless the U.S.A.,” filled the room.
Though Stallone has largely kept his political views private over the years, his admiration for Trump has been evident. While he didn’t publicly endorse Trump in 2024, he did express support for him in previous years, including a 2016 interview where he called Trump “bigger than life.” His speech at Mar-a-Lago marked the first time Stallone openly acknowledged the President’s profound influence and legacy.
For conservatives, Stallone’s endorsement and heartfelt praise of President Trump as a transformative leader in the mold of America’s Founding Fathers speaks volumes about the lasting impact of Trump’s presidency.