Staff Reports
Elton John, the flamboyant pop icon known for his catchy tunes and extravagant stage presence, recently weighed in on the notorious nickname “Rocket Man” famously hurled by Donald Trump at North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. In a chat with Variety at the Toronto Film Festival, John apparently found a reason to chuckle at Trump’s jibe, declaring the moniker as “brilliant.” One has to wonder if he was wearing his bedazzled glasses while formulating that opinion.
Unsurprisingly, the nickname first made waves back in 2017, when Trump was standing firm against Kim’s aggressive threats and nuclear posturing. To the relief of many, Trump didn’t hold back, delivering a fiery warning that he would unleash “fire and fury” on North Korea if it continued its saber-rattling (perhaps a reference that could describe the chaotic nature of the left’s response). The phrase “little Rocket Man” caught on, showing that a little humor could go a long way—maybe a stark contrast to the laughter one hears from the left when taking shots at conservative figures.
NEW: Elton John says Trump's "Rocket Man" nickname for Kim Jong Un was "brilliant" after an interviewer appeared to try to set him up with an opportunity to slam Trump.
The comments came during an interview with Variety.
Question: "You're not a supporter of Trump. He loves your… pic.twitter.com/9usQ9bAMtq
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 8, 2024
There was a glimmer of something magical, or at least raucous, when Trump turned a serious geopolitical issue into a slice of musical humor. With John’s appreciation for the nickname, one can’t help but note the dichotomy; here’s a man who often champions progressive values, yet he finds himself aligned, if only temporarily, with a president who doesn’t shy away from confrontational rhetoric. What does this say about the often one-dimensional view of celebrities who believe they inhabit an unassailable moral high ground?
The ex-president is often credited with taking a tough yet effective stance on North Korea. He didn’t just engage with the tyrant in a way that is often regarded as unprecedented; he also offered hope for some diplomatic resolution. Trump’s approach led to historic summits, shaking hands with Kim across the border, a gesture many would view as part of a serious strategy rather than a mere photo op. The irony of a former president being criticized for such a daring move while leftists were busy pushing divisive activism could spark some interesting dinner conversation.
While some may appreciate Elton John’s commitment to not using his concerts as a political soapbox, one can’t help but question the decision in a world where so many celebs feel it’s their duty to preach to their fans. John insists that it’s none of his business how fans vote, much to the relief of those who want his melodies over his musings on political policy. Perhaps a brilliant approach, indeed, even if it means he might miss an opportunity to broadcast his views—though he may have found that art (like a catchy tune or a sharp quip) is often far more appealing than a lengthy lecture on voting preferences.
