Sylvester Stallone Praises Donald Trump as a “Second George Washington” at Mar-a-Lago Gala

In an electrifying event hosted at Mar-a-Lago, former President Donald Trump was welcomed on stage by actor Sylvester Stallone, who likened him to “a second George Washington.” The gala, organized by the America First Policy Institute, drew a crowd of notable attendees, including Trump’s newly appointed cabinet members. Among them was North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum, recently tapped for Interior Secretary, and Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz.

Stallone’s tribute was a blend of admiration and personal insight, capturing the unique impact he believes Trump has had on the country. Stallone, famous for his iconic role as Rocky Balboa, connected Trump’s journey to that of mythical heroes, saying, “We are in the presence of a really mythical character. I love mythology.” He added that Trump’s ability to accomplish the improbable inspired awe, stating, “Nobody in the world could’ve pulled off what he pulled off.”

The evening’s speech highlighted Stallone’s respect for Trump’s achievements, presenting him as a transformative figure in U.S. history. “When George Washington defended his country, he had no idea that he was going to change the world. Guess what? We got the second George Washington. Congratulations!” Stallone declared to an energized audience.

This comparison, though bold, reflects Stallone’s longstanding admiration for Trump. In a 2016 interview, Stallone described Trump as a “great Dickensian character,” marveling at his charisma while also acknowledging the challenges of translating such a personality to the role of world leader. He expressed a mixture of fascination and uncertainty regarding Trump’s path to the presidency, which has only deepened over time.

A Rivalry of Reality TV Legends

Ramin Setoodeh, co-editor-in-chief of Variety, recently provided additional insights into the unique dynamic between Trump and Stallone. Setoodeh’s recent book, Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass, reveals Trump’s envy toward Stallone during their years in the television industry. Although both men shared a career in reality television, with Trump hosting The Apprentice and Stallone fronting The Contender, Trump reportedly claimed superiority over Stallone in the realm of reality TV, even critiquing Stallone’s on-camera delivery.

The evening at Mar-a-Lago not only reinforced Stallone’s appreciation for Trump but also cast a light on Trump’s lasting influence on his supporters and the unwavering loyalty he commands.