(Rightallegiance.com) – In a moment that captivated attendees at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI) Gala on Thursday evening, renowned actor and filmmaker Sylvester Stallone introduced President-elect Donald Trump with a striking comparison, calling him the “second George Washington.” The event, held at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, saw Stallone deliver a brief but impactful speech, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
Stallone, best known for his iconic portrayal of Rocky Balboa, took the stage as the final speaker before Trump’s entrance. His remarks, though concise, were packed with admiration and theatrical flair.
The Hollywood legend began by drawing parallels between his “Rocky” character and Trump, likening their journeys of transformation and perseverance. “Rocky was a character who went through a metamorphosis and changed lives, just like President Trump,” Stallone shared, setting the tone for his tribute.
He then turned his focus to Trump’s historical impact, making the bold comparison to America’s first president. “We are in the presence of a really mythical character,” Stallone declared. “Nobody in the world could have pulled off what he pulled off, so I’m in awe.”
The actor elaborated on his George Washington analogy, crediting Trump’s dedication to America. “When George Washington defended his country, he had no idea that he was going to change the world because without him, you could imagine what the world would look like. Guess what? We’ve got the second George Washington. Congratulations!”
As Stallone concluded, the room filled with patriotic fervor as Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” played, heralding Trump’s entrance.
Walking onto the stage amidst applause, Trump acknowledged Stallone with a handshake and exchanged a few words with the actor. While the contents of their brief conversation remained private, the camaraderie between the two was evident.
Stallone’s public support for Trump at the gala marks a rare occasion for the actor, who has historically remained private about his political views. In 2016, Stallone expressed admiration for Trump in an interview with Variety, saying, “I love Donald Trump. There are certain people like Arnold [Schwarzenegger], Babe Ruth, that are bigger than life. But I don’t know how that translates to running the world.”
Despite his admiration, Stallone admitted to not voting in the 2016 and 2020 elections. He did not endorse any candidates during the 2024 election cycle but made a notable appearance in October, answering a FaceTime call from Fox News’ Bret Baier to encourage Pennsylvania voters to “keep punching.”
His speech at the AFPI Gala represents the first instance where he has publicly addressed Trump’s presidency, cementing a moment of both political and cultural significance.
The event underscored the merging of two larger-than-life figures: Stallone, a cinematic icon celebrated for embodying the American dream, and Trump, a polarizing yet influential figure in modern American politics. Stallone’s reverent remarks not only energized the crowd but also positioned Trump in a historical and symbolic light that few could have anticipated.
As the evening concluded, one thing was clear: Stallone’s two-minute tribute was as much about celebrating Trump as it was about celebrating the enduring spirit of American resilience and ambition.