UPDATE: Elton John is calling on President Donald Trump to seize a rare opportunity to secure a historic legacy by ending AIDS. In a recent interview with Variety, John emphasized the critical role of bipartisan support in eradicating this disease. He stated that if Trump succeeds in this endeavor, it could solidify his position as “one of the greatest presidents in history.”
John’s remarks come as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a groundbreaking new HIV prevention shot from Gilead Sciences in June 2023. Clinical trials show this innovative treatment is nearly 100% effective, surpassing earlier therapies. Trump has previously set a goal to eliminate HIV in the United States by 2030, first announcing this initiative during his 2019 State of the Union address.
“The bipartisan thing makes common sense,” John stated. He urged the Trump administration to continue investing in HIV efforts, underscoring that this is the only disease that can be completely cured during a person’s lifetime. John added, “To see us come so far with the medical and scientific advances… if he ended AIDS, that would really be a feather in his cap.”
However, the path to achieving this goal is not without challenges. Earlier this year, the Trump administration attempted to cut funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which faced bipartisan backlash, leading Senate Republicans to ultimately preserve the program. John expressed his frustration over ongoing barriers to HIV treatment and prevention worldwide, stating, “I just am enraged by it. It’s very frustrating when you’ve got the tools in your hand to end it, and then you find that countries won’t help.”
In response to John’s comments, White House spokesman Kush Desai assured that the Trump administration is actively pursuing its HIV strategy. Desai stated, “Elton John can rest assured that the Trump administration is robustly tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic both at home and abroad.” He highlighted efforts by the State Department to collaborate with foreign governments on a global health strategy while federal health agencies work to expand access to treatment and prevention.
John, who has maintained a friendly rapport with Trump over the years, highlighted moments of shared humor, including Trump’s reference to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as “Little Rocket Man.” “I laughed, I thought that was brilliant,” John recalled. “Donald’s always been a fan of mine, and he’s been to my concerts many, many times. I thank him for his support.”
As the conversation around HIV/AIDS continues to evolve, John’s passionate plea serves as a reminder of the significant impact that leadership can have on public health. The urgency to eradicate AIDS is more pressing than ever, and the potential for a historic legacy is within reach for the Trump administration.
What’s next? Continued bipartisan collaboration is essential as advocates push for sustained funding and innovative solutions to end the HIV epidemic. The world is watching as the clock ticks towards 2030.
