Elton John thinks Donald Trump is one funny guy.
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.
According to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s 2022 memoir, “Never Give an Inch,” the former president tried to put a positive spin on the mockery by telling Kim that “Rocket Man” was “a great song” and the reference was intended “as a compliment.”
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.”
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