UPDATE: Elton John is calling on President Donald Trump to seize a historic opportunity to solidify his legacy by ending AIDS. In a recent interview with Variety, John emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation to combat the epidemic, urging the Trump administration to continue investing in efforts to eradicate the disease.
John stated, “The bipartisan thing makes common sense.” He highlighted that with recent medical and scientific advancements, AIDS is the only disease that can be completely cured within a person’s lifetime. He added, “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.”
This conversation comes on the heels of significant advancements in HIV prevention, including the FDA’s approval of a new twice-yearly HIV prevention shot from Gilead Sciences in June 2023. Clinical trials revealed the drug’s effectiveness is nearly 100%, outperforming previous treatments. Trump has previously set a goal to eliminate HIV in the U.S. by 2030, first announcing this initiative during his 2019 State of the Union address.
Despite this commitment, the Trump administration faced criticism earlier this year for attempts to cut funding from the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). However, Senate Republicans intervened to 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 remarks, White House spokesman Kush Desai assured that the administration is “robustly tackling the HIV/AIDS epidemic both at home and abroad.” Desai noted that the State Department is collaborating with foreign governments on a global health strategy while federal health agencies expand prevention efforts and treatment access.
John has maintained a friendly rapport with Trump over the years, even praising the president’s unique approach to diplomacy, such as referring to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as “Little Rocket Man.” Reflecting on this, John said, “I laughed, I thought that was brilliant. Donald’s always been a fan of mine, and he’s been to my concerts many, many times.”
As the fight against AIDS continues to evolve, the call for action from high-profile figures like Elton John highlights the urgency and potential for transformative change in public health. The global community is watching as the Trump administration navigates this critical challenge. Share your thoughts on this urgent issue and what steps should be taken next.
