The America First Policy Conference, held on November 14, 2024, at Mar-a-Lago, featured actor Sylvester Stallone introducing President-elect Donald Trump. Stallone drew parallels between Trump and historical figures such as George Washington during his introduction.
Sylvester Stallone, born July 6, 1946, in Hell’s Kitchen, New York City, New York, has made a significant impact in the film industry through his roles as an actor, screenwriter, and director. His breakthrough came with the 1976 film “Rocky,” which he both wrote and starred in. The film garnered 10 Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Picture.
Stallone’s depiction of the underdog boxer, Rocky Balboa, struck a chord with audiences, leading to a successful franchise with numerous sequels. In 1982, he created another memorable character, John Rambo, in “First Blood,” further cementing his position as a leading action star.
Over the course of his career, Stallone has been recognized with various awards, including a Golden Globe Award and several Academy Award nominations, acknowledging his substantial contributions to the film industry.
In his speech, the 78-year-old actor referred to the opening scene of his 1976 film Rocky, where the camera transitions from a mural of Jesus to Rocky Balboa in a boxing ring, with the word “Resurrection” in the background. He compared this scene 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.”
Stallone went on to compare Trump’s recent campaign to the American Revolution, drawing a line between Trump and the country’s first president. He suggested that Trump, like George Washington, who unknowingly shaped the world by defending his country, represents a contemporary counterpart, inferring that America now has a “second George Washington.”
Notable attendees of the event included Tulsi Gabbard, R.F.K. Jr and his wife, actress Cheryl Hines, Tucker Carlson, Elon Musk, Donald Trump Jr., and Kimberly Guilfoyle. At the gala, Trump revealed his plan to nominate North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum for Secretary of the Interior.
The relationship between Stallone and Trump has been well-documented over the years. In 2016, Stallone declined an offer to chair the National Endowment for the Arts, stating a desire to concentrate on veterans’ issues.
The gala, a celebration of Trump’s election victory, featured speeches from various supporters. Stallone’s remarks received notable attention, underscoring his support for the president-elect.
The America First Policy Conference at Mar-a-Lago provided a venue for Trump’s supporters to express their anticipation for the forthcoming administration. Stallone’s speech, filled with historical references and personal anecdotes, resonated with the audience, emphasizing his backing for Trump’s leadership.
