Was This a Compliment or a Jab? Trump’s Stallone Comment Explodes Online
On December 7, 2025, President Donald Trump hosted the 48th annual Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., marking the first time a sitting U.S. president took the stage to emcee the event instead of observing from a box. Trump, who had been deeply involved in selecting the honorees (claiming about 98% input and rejecting “too woke” suggestions), presented gold medallions to a star-studded class: actor Sylvester Stallone, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, country legend George Strait, Broadway star Michael Crawford, and rock band KISS (with members Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss).
The evening began with high energy — the show opened to the iconic “Gonna Fly Now” theme from Rocky, drawing applause as Trump walked onstage. He praised the honorees as “legendary in so many ways” and “among the greatest artists… ever to walk the face of the Earth,” highlighting their massive cultural impact.
Trump saved special attention for longtime acquaintance Sylvester Stallone, whom he called a “very special friend” and lauded for his iconic roles in Rocky, Rambo, and beyond. Stallone, 79, has been one of Trump’s Hollywood supporters, previously calling him an “extraordinary man” and comparing him to figures like George Washington and Rocky Balboa himself.
But the tone shifted when Trump delivered what many described as a backhanded jab. Addressing Stallone directly (with cameras panning to the actor watching from the balcony), Trump said:
“Sly, you’ve been my friend for a long time. You’ve been a very special friend in so many different ways. When I needed help, I knew not to go to Sly, because I don’t think he would’ve been there for me. But now he would. But after tonight, I think he will.”
The remark implied that Stallone’s loyalty or support only materialized because of Trump’s presidential power and the honor bestowed that night. Stallone reacted with a slight smirk, then rubbed his eyes — a moment captured on broadcast that quickly went viral.
Trump followed up with warmer words, congratulating Stallone, his wife Jennifer Flavin, and their family, calling him a “fantastic man.” Earlier in the weekend, during an Oval Office medal presentation on December 6, Trump had effusively called Stallone a “wonderful” and “spectacular” person, one of the “true, great movie stars” and “great legends” — though he reportedly mispronounced the name as “Sallone” twice.
The comment, however, overshadowed much of the praise. Social media erupted with criticism, with users on platforms like Threads and X calling it “sick,” “spiteful,” and a “cheap shot.” Reactions included:
- “Nothing like having the President honor you and disrespect you at the same time.”
- “He can’t even say nice things about the people he ‘likes,’ always has to throw in an insult.”
- “Sounds like he’s always been jealous of Sly and since he loves revenge, he chose to honor him, in order to humiliate him! Wow, how sick!!!”
Some speculated it reflected Trump’s pattern of mixing compliments with subtle (or not-so-subtle) digs, even toward allies. The moment also fueled trolling of Stallone’s appearance — including his silver hair (after admitting on his reality show The Family Stallone that he was tired of dyeing it), use of a cane (linked to past Expendables injuries), and perceived plastic surgery or Botox.
Despite the controversy, many fans celebrated Stallone’s well-deserved recognition for his six-decade career and influence on American pop culture. The event itself was touted by supporters as a triumphant return of “real” entertainment stars, with tributes from figures like Garth Brooks, Kelsey Grammer, and others.
The backhanded remark has become one of the most talked-about moments from the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors, highlighting the blend of celebration, politics, and personality that defined the night under Trump’s hosting.
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