Donald Trump is well-known for using different nicknames for people, including other politicians and world leaders. One of the nicknames he used during his presidency was inspired by Elton John's song "Rocket Man." In a recent interview with Variety, John revealed that he thought it was "hilarious" when the former president called North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un "Little Rocket Man."
"I laughed," John told Variety. "I thought that was brilliant. I just thought, 'Good on you, Donald.'"
While the singer found humor in the joke, it's been said that Trump had to explain the origins of the nickname to Kim Jong Un because he hadn't heard of Elton John or his music, according to Mike Pompeo’s 2022 memoir, Never Give an Inch.
John was not surprised to learn that the North Korean leader had never heard of him. "I’d be very surprised if he had," he told Variety.
He added that he "thought it was a light moment, and it was fun."
John's positive comments about Trump led to some wondering if the singer was actually quietly endorsing him. However, John did not endorse either presidential candidate, and he said he will not tell other people whom to vote for.
"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," he told Variety.
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Though he won't tell people who to vote for, he is hoping people vote a certain way.
"I just want people to vote for things that are just, things that are important to people: the right to choose, the right to be who you are, and not let anybody else tell you who to be," he told Variety.
He described himself as a "loving person" and said he "[wants] that to come back to America."
In terms of how he feels about Trump specifically, John just said that he's "friendly" with him. "Donald's always been a fan of mine, and he's been to my concerts many, many times," John told Variety. "So, I mean, I've always been friendly toward him, and I thank him for his support."
The fact that John appreciated Trump's nickname for Kim Jong Un and also thanked him for his support made some fans skeptical and a bit confused about his political beliefs.
Elsewhere in the interview, though, John seemingly referenced Republican former Vice President Dick Cheney's endorsement of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, saying "there is a danger, as Dick Cheney said the other day. America is in a very volatile position."
He also shared some more information about his own personal values. "People can vote for who they like, but as far as I’m concerned, I love love," he told Variety.
Per NPR, John previously performed at one of Trump's weddings but did not perform at his presidential inauguration. He did, however, perform at the White House during Joe Biden's presidency.
In an email declining the opportunity to perform at Trump's inauguration, per The New York Times, John wrote that despite giving it "a lot of thought," he would not be performing for that occasion.
"I also want to wish you every success with your presidency," he reportedly wrote in the email. "I love America deeply, a country that has always welcomed me and my music with kind, tolerant and open arms."
