During the America First Policy Conference on Thursday evening, November 14, 2024, at Mar-a-Lago, President-elect Donald Trump was introduced by actor Sylvester Stallone. Stallone drew comparisons between Trump and historic luminaries, including George Washington.
Born on July 6, 1946, in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, Stallone boasts an impressive career as an actor, screenwriter, and director. He catapulted to fame with his 1976 film “Rocky,” which he wrote and starred in, earning 10 Academy Award nominations and winning three, including Best Picture.
Stallone’s portrayal of the underdog boxer, Rocky Balboa, captivated audiences and resulted in a successful franchise with several sequels. With the introduction of another iconic character, John Rambo, in the 1982 film “First Blood,” Stallone cemented his position as a premier action star.
Over his career, Stallone has been recognized with a Golden Globe Award and multiple Academy Award nominations, testament to his substantial contributions to cinema.
In his speech, the 78-year-old actor referenced the opening scene of “Rocky,” where the camera shifts from a Jesus mural to Rocky Balboa in a boxing ring, with the word “Resurrection” in the backdrop. He associated this scene with Trump’s trajectory, stating, “At that moment, he was a chosen person, and that’s how I began the journey. Something’s gonna happen. This man is gonna go through a metamorphosis and change lives.”
Stallone drew parallels between Trump’s recent campaign and the American Revolution, likening him to the nation’s first president. He suggested that, similar to George Washington, who inadvertently shaped the world through his defense of his country, Trump is a contemporary parallel, indicating that the country now has a “second George Washington.”
The conference saw attendance from prominent personalities, including Tulsi Gabbard, R.F.K. Jr and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, Tucker Carlson, Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., and Kimberly Guilfoyle. During the event, Trump announced his plan to nominate North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for the position of Secretary of the Interior.
Stallone’s relationship with Trump is no secret, having been well documented over the years. Stallone declined an opportunity to chair the National Endowment for the Arts in 2016, expressing a preference to focus on issues related to veterans.
The gala was a celebration of Trump’s electoral triumph, featuring speeches from various supporters. Stallone’s comments were particularly noteworthy, illustrating the actor’s admiration for the president-elect.
The America First Policy Conference at Mar-a-Lago provided a stage for Trump’s supporters to show their support for the forthcoming administration. Stallone’s speech, filled with historical references and personal stories, resonated with the audience, emphasizing the actor’s endorsement of Trump’s leadership.
