On the evening of November 14, 2024, the America First Policy Conference was held at Mar-a-Lago, where actor Sylvester Stallone introduced President-elect Donald Trump. Stallone drew connections between Trump and notable historical figures, such as George Washington.
Born on July 6, 1946, in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, New York, Stallone has carved out an illustrious career in the film industry as an actor, screenwriter, and director. He first gained significant attention with his 1976 movie “Rocky,” a film he both wrote and starred in. “Rocky” bagged 10 Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Picture.
Stallone’s portrayal of Rocky Balboa, the underdog boxer, struck a chord with audiences, leading to a highly successful franchise with several sequels. In 1982, he created another memorable character, John Rambo, in “First Blood,” further cementing his reputation as a top action star.
Throughout his career, Stallone has been honored with numerous awards, including a Golden Globe Award and several Academy Award nominations, recognizing his substantial contributions to the film industry.
During his speech at the conference, Stallone, 78, referred to the opening scene of his 1976 film, Rocky. He described how the camera moved from a Jesus mural to Rocky Balboa in a boxing ring, with the word “Resurrection” visible in the background. He related this imagery to Trump’s journey, saying, “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.”
In drawing parallels between Trump’s recent campaign and the American Revolution, Stallone likened Trump to the nation’s first president, George Washington. He pointed out that, like Washington, who inadvertently shaped the world through his defense of his country, Trump stands as a contemporary parallel. Stallone suggested America now has a “second George Washington.”
The event was graced by 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’s Governor Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior.
Stallone and Trump’s friendship has been well-documented over the years. In 2016, Stallone turned down an offer to chair the National Endowment for the Arts, preferring to concentrate on issues related to veterans.
The gala was a celebration of Trump’s election victory, featuring speeches from several supporters. Stallone’s speech garnered considerable attention, reflecting his respect and admiration for the president-elect.
The America First Policy Conference at Mar-a-Lago provided a platform for Trump’s supporters to voice their support for the incoming administration. Stallone’s speech, filled with historical references and personal anecdotes, resonated with the audience, emphasizing his support for Trump’s leadership.