Elton John says President Donald Trump has a rare opportunity to secure a historic legacy — if he succeeds in ending AIDS.
According to Fox News, during an interview with Variety last week, the legendary singer discussed the progress made by his Elton John AIDS Foundation and the political support it has received over the years, including from Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.
John said bipartisan cooperation remains essential, and he urged the Trump administration to continue investing in the effort to eradicate the disease.
“The bipartisan thing makes common sense,” John said. “To see us come so far with the medical and scientific advances, and to think this is the only disease that can be completely cured in one’s lifetime. President Trump has maybe solved the peace problem. If he wants to go down as one of the greatest presidents in history… if he ended AIDS, that would really be a feather in his cap.”
The conversation comes as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in June approved a new twice-yearly HIV prevention shot from Gilead Sciences. Clinical trials showed the drug was nearly 100% effective and performed better than previous treatments.
Trump has repeatedly stated a goal of eliminating HIV in the U.S. by 2030. He first announced an initiative to end the disease during his 2019 State of the Union address.
However, the administration also attempted to cut funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) in a rescissions package earlier this year. Senate Republicans ultimately agreed to preserve the program.
John said he remains frustrated by barriers to HIV treatment and prevention around the world, from funding cuts to restrictive laws. “I just am enraged by it,” he told Variety. “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.”
White House spokesman Kush Desai told Fox News Digital that the administration is aggressively pursuing its HIV strategy.
“Elton John can rest assured that the Trump administration is robustly tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic both at home and abroad,” Desai said. He added that the State Department is working with foreign governments on a global health strategy while federal health agencies expand prevention efforts and treatment access.
John has maintained a friendly relationship with Trump over the years, even praising the president’s decision to call North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un “Little Rocket Man,” a nod to one of John’s songs.
“I laughed, I thought that was brilliant,” he said in 2024. “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. When he did that, I just thought it was hilarious. It made me laugh.”
