Elton John Says Ending AIDS Could Make Donald Trump One of the Greatest Presidents

Elton John highlights how ending AIDS could cement Donald Trump's legacy as a historic president.

A Bold Vision: Ending AIDS as a Legacy

When Elton John speaks, you listen—not just because of his legendary music career, but for his unwavering advocacy in the fight against AIDS. Recently, in an eye-opening interview with Variety, Elton shared a striking take: if former President Donald Trump were to end AIDS, he could be hailed as “one of the greatest presidents in history.” That’s a bold claim, but it’s rooted in something deeply personal and profoundly important to Elton.

Elton’s focus isn’t just on political drama or headline-grabbing moments; it’s about a war that affects millions quietly but relentlessly—the war against HIV and AIDS. “There’s a big war that’s being settled, hopefully,” he began, referencing global conflicts like in Gaza, “but there’s another war with people who are suffering from HIV and AIDS that should be able to get their medicine but can’t, because governments won’t let them. It’s inhumane.”

The Medicine Is Here, So Why the Delay?

What pains Elton most is the availability of effective tools and treatments that could stop the spread of AIDS. He talked passionately about medicine, PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), and antiretrovirals—all scientifically proven to save lives and prevent transmission. Yet, stigma, hate, and bureaucratic inertia keep millions from accessing them.

“It’s so frustrating when you have the medicine... We can stop the spread of AIDS if people just got off their backsides and treated human beings in a Christian kind of way,” Elton said. It’s that simple, and yet complicated, reality of global health politics.

He didn’t hold back with his message to Trump: “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 Elton John AIDS Foundation: A Beacon of Hope

Elton founded the Elton John AIDS Foundation in 1992, which has grown into a powerhouse in the global fight against HIV/AIDS, raising over $650 million (about $1 billion with matching grants). According to Elton, the foundation’s impact comes from trust and tangible results.

“We’ve now raised over $650 million, but there’s so much more to be doing,” he said. “If there’s no dialogue, it may take much longer than we hope it will. You can’t walk away after coming so far. And sometimes you feel like beating your head against a brick wall, but that doesn’t do any good to the people that are suffering.”

The Stakes: Funding Cuts and Their Consequences

Back in March, Elton John warned that Trump’s cuts to the USAID budget—slashing over 90% of foreign aid contracts—would devastate the global HIV response. The proposed cuts could remove roughly $60 billion in international aid, jeopardizing years of progress.

Writing on Instagram, Elton called the decision “abrupt” with “devastating effects on the HIV response.” The Foundation echoed the alarm: “Millions of people are alive today thanks to the generosity of the American people and because of effective programs like PEPFAR. Today they are unsure of when, or even if, they will get the medicine they need to stay alive.”

PEPFAR, established in 2003, remains a cornerstone of HIV treatment access worldwide, enabling countless people to live longer, healthier lives.

Uniting Voices: Elton John and Brandi Carlile’s Campaign

Not one to sit on the sidelines, Elton teamed up with singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile to launch a campaign fighting back against the funding cuts. Their collaborative album, Who Believes In Angels, marked not just a musical partnership but a shared mission.

Explaining their joint effort, Elton stressed urgency: “Without prompt action, decades of progress in the global fight against HIV could be reversed, creating a global health crisis that we have both the power and the tools to prevent.” His words echo the frustration and hope of many activists: “Our mission is more important than ever – we refuse to leave anyone behind – and I’m so fortunate that Brandi is not only a wonderful collaborator and artist, but a dear friend who shares my vision of a world where HIV care is prioritized and protected.”

A Nuanced View of Donald Trump

Elton John’s relationship with Trump’s politics has been complex. He’s cautiously commented on the former president, urging voters to focus on rights and justice ahead of the 2024 election. “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 painted a picture of America caught between turmoil and hope: “Is it going to be fire and brimstone … or are we going to have a much calmer, a much safer place? People can vote for who they like, but as far as I’m concerned, I love love. And I’m a loving person, and I want that to come back to America. I feel it’s been lost in the last 12 years.”

Interestingly, Elton did praise Trump’s “little rocket man” quip aimed at Kim Jong Un, calling it “brilliant,” showing that his views are far from black-and-white.

Looking Ahead: Elton John at Rock In Rio 2026

In a twist of exciting news, Elton John was announced as a headliner for Rock In Rio 2026, affirming that even after retiring from touring, he continues to be a vibrant force in music and activism.

Elton John’s passionate plea reminds us that ending AIDS isn’t just a medical challenge—it’s a deeply human fight, one where political will and compassion can change the course of history. Could Trump’s legacy be defined by such a monumental victory? Only time will tell.

FAQ

• What is Elton John’s stance on Donald Trump?
  Elton John has a nuanced view, emphasizing the importance of voting for justice and human rights, while also acknowledging some of Trump’s actions, like his “little rocket man” comment.
• What is the Elton John AIDS Foundation?
  Founded in 1992, it’s one of the leading independent HIV/AIDS charities globally, having raised over $650 million to support prevention, treatment, and advocacy.
• How did Trump’s budget cuts impact HIV/AIDS programs?
  Trump’s administration proposed cutting over 90% of USAID’s foreign aid contracts, risking the loss of vital funding for HIV/AIDS programs and threatening progress made through initiatives like PEPFAR.
• Who is Brandi Carlile and how is she involved?
  Brandi Carlile is a singer-songwriter who collaborated with Elton John on the album Who Believes In Angels and joined him in campaigning against the funding cuts to HIV/AIDS programs.
• What treatments are available to prevent and manage HIV/AIDS?
  Medications like antiretrovirals and PrEP are effective tools to prevent the spread of HIV and help people living with the virus manage their health.

If Elton John’s fight for a world without AIDS moves you, why not bring some of that passion into your space? Shop your favorite album cover posters at our store Architeg Prints and celebrate the music and messages that shape our lives.