While speaking to Variety during the Toronto Film Festival, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer said he couldn’t help but laugh upon learning how his song, “Rocket Man,” inspired Trump’s favorite nickname for North Korea’s Kim Jong Un.
During his time in office, Trump took to calling Kim “Little Rocket Man,” a nod to the Supreme Leader’s love of launching aerial weapons and his frequent threats of atomic action.
And while Trump’s joke did not land with North Koreans, who once told the media the U.S. president must be “senile” to think such a slight was appropriate, John said the sobriquet sent him over the moon.
“I laughed, I thought that was brilliant,” the famous pianist told Variety. “I just thought, ‘Good on you, Donald.’”
The English entertainer also explained his warm relationship with the polarizing Republican candidate for president, revealing, “Donald’s always been a fan of mine, and he’s been to my concerts many, many times.”
“So, I mean, I’ve always been friendly toward him, and I thank him for his support,” he added. “When he did that, I just thought it was hilarious. It made me laugh.”
Though Trump was clearly proud of his “Little Rocket Man” quip, he was apparently forced to explain the nickname to Kim when the pair first met in 2018.
Support Free Journalism
Consider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first.
Can’t afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. We hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPost
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
Unfamiliar with John’s oeuvre, Kim wasn’t having it.
In Pompeo’s book, he recalled the North Korean leader telling Trump, “‘Rocket man,’ OK. ‘Little,’ not OK.”
For his part, the “Tiny Dancer” singer told Variety he wasn’t offended by the fact Kim isn’t a member of his fan club.
“Of course he hasn’t heard of me, Kim Jong Un. I’d be very surprised if he had,” the singer laughed. “I’ve never toured North Korea, and I have no intention of doing so. But, I thought it was a light moment, and it was fun.”
Support Free Journalism
Consider supporting HuffPost starting at $2 to help us provide free, quality journalism that puts people first.
Can’t afford to contribute? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. We hope you’ll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPost
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.
Denial of responsibility! NewsConcerns is an automatic aggregator of the all world’s media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, all materials to their authors. If you are the owner of the content and do not want us to publish your materials, please contact us by email – [email protected]. The content will be deleted within 24 hours.