Musician Elton John laughed when he found out former President Donald Trump referred to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as “Little Rocket Man,” a reference to John’s famous “Rocket Man” song.
Trump gave Kim the nickname as early as 2017, a day after the North Korean government tested an intercontinental ballistic missile. He claimed the name was meant to be a “compliment” because “Rocket Man” is a “great song,” according to Trump’s former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s book, Never Give An Inch: Fighting for the America I Love.
“I laughed, I thought that was brilliant,” John told Variety. “I just thought, ‘Good on you, Donald.’ I am the rocket man, yeah. Donald’s always been a fan of mine, and he’s been to my concerts many, many times. So, I’ve always been friendly toward him, and I thank him for his support. When he did that, I just thought it was hilarious. It made me laugh.”
The former president reportedly had to explain the nickname “Little Rocket Man” to Kim, who did not understand the reference. Upon giving the explanation at a lunch meeting with Kim at the Singapore summit in 2018, laughter reportedly followed from those present.
John contended that Kim did not get the nickname because the North Korean leader had never heard of him, adding that he would be surprised if Kim had. He also said he had never toured North Korea, and has “no intention” to do so in the future.
“I thought that it was a light moment, and it was fun,” John said.
Trump has not specifically responded to John’s comments, though he did share the footage of John’s interview on Truth Social, the former president’s social media platform.
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The musician shared his thoughts on Trump’s nickname while attending the Toronto Film Festival, during which he encouraged people to go vote this November but did not specifically endorse either Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris. He argued that “it’s none of my business” who people vote for, but did state the United States is “in a very volatile position.”
John also stated that he believes “kindness will always win out,” and that he hopes the same will happen with the elections this year.