Sylvester Stallone Would Work With U.S. Veterans Under Trump
On Sunday, Sylvester Stallone suggested he would decline an arts leadership position in the Trump administration such as chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts. Instead, the actor-filmmaker would prefer to work with veterans.
“I am incredibly flattered to have been suggested to be involved with the National Endowment of the Arts,” the 70-year-old said in a statement. Last Friday, Republican allies reached out to Stallone about a high-profile arts-related position, according to Trump advisors. However, no formal offer was made by the president-elect, reports the New York Times.
Stallone hinted at the role he would like to have under Trump: “helping returning military personnel find employment, suitable housing and financial assistance.” The actor said he would be more “effective” bringing national attention to United States veterans’ needs, the New York Times reports.
Stallone did not officially endorse Trump’s candidacy during the election, but praised his personality nearly a year ago in Variety: “I love Donald Trump … There are certain people like Arnold [Schwarzenegger], Babe Ruth, that are bigger than life. But I don’t know how that translates to running the world.”
The National Endowment of the Arts is a federal agency with a $150 million budget that provides grants to cultural organizations. It’s also been contested by some Republicans over the years due to controversial projects. Trump’s position on arts funding and education remains murky.
Last March, Trump spoke about the inherent merits of a liberal arts education to the Washington Post: “Critical thinking skills, the ability to read, write and do basic math are still the keys to economic success,” said Trump. “A holistic education that includes literature and the arts is just as critical to creating good citizens.”