British singer Sir Elton John said former US President Donald Trump’s use of his song ‘Rocket Man’ to poke fun at North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was “brilliant” and made him laugh.
“I laughed, I thought it was brilliant, I just thought, ‘Good on ya, Donald the Rocketman’,” John, 77, said in an interview with Variety.
During his presidency, Trump had several aggressive exchanges with Kim Jong Un over North Korea’s ballistic missile tests, and used the epithet “little rocket man” to deride the latter. The two eventually mended fences and even became pen pals.
Elton John, who is a vocal supporter of US President Joe Biden, said he and Trump go way back. So there were no hard feelings when the Republican took inspiration from his 1972 hit for a geopolitical clapback.
“Donald’s always been a fan of mine, he has been to my concerts many, many times, so I have always been friendly toward him. I thank him for his support,” the singer added. “When he did that I thought it was hilarious, it made me laugh.”
Trump reportedly explained the nickname to Kim Jong Un later, as the North Korean leader was unfamiliar with John’s music. He then gifted Kim a signed Elton John CD featuring the song ‘Rocket Man’.
When asked about Trump giving Kim a signed copy of the song, the Grammy award-winning singer said, “Of course he hadn’t heard of it… I’d be very surprised if he had.”
At the same time, John appeared to take a subtle dig at Trump, saying, “Kindness will always win outâæ that’s what I hope for the American election in November.”
The music legend said he avoids promoting political agendas during his concerts, but expressed concern for the future of the US.
“I don’t go on stage and say to people, ‘You must vote for the Republicans, you must vote for the Democrats.’ It’s none of my business how they vote. They come to see me, and I’m so grateful they have,” he said.
“America is in a very volatile position,” John said. And it’s a country I love, and I’ve always loved, and I’m so thankful that it made me who I am.”
While he did not directly endorse either Kamala Harris or Trump, John rhetorically asked, “Is it going to be fire and brimstoneâæ or are we going to have a much calmer, a much safer place?”
