Elton John says Trump could achieve something no other president has done, and it would cement his place in history

Singer Elton John recently said that President Donald Trump could become “one of the greatest presidents” in history if he manages to end the AIDS epidemic. John shared these thoughts in an interview with Variety last week, praising the potential achievement.

John, who runs the Elton John AIDS Foundation, is pushing the administration to keep working toward getting rid of the disease. He believes fighting AIDS should be something both political parties support because it simply makes sense.

According to Fox News, John thinks this accomplishment could define Trump’s legacy. He mentioned that Trump has possibly solved peace issues, and if he ends AIDS, it would be a major achievement for his presidency.

The tools to end AIDS are already here

The goal feels possible now because of major advances in science. John explained that AIDS is the only disease that can be completely cured during a person’s lifetime. Recent breakthroughs in prevention have been huge steps forward.

“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 Rocket Man singer said.

In June this year, the FDA approved a groundbreaking new treatment from Gilead Sciences. The company created a shot that people only need twice a year to prevent HIV/AIDS. Tests showed this shot was nearly 100 percent effective at stopping HIV from spreading, making it better than older drugs.

Trump already committed to this fight. During his first term in 2019, he launched a plan to completely eliminate the disease by 2030. The president has faced criticism on other policy fronts, including his proposed immigration restrictions on allies.

However, John expressed anger over obstacles that stop help from reaching HIV patients around the world. He pointed to budget cuts and legal restrictions from different countries, including the U.S. John told Variety he feels enraged and frustrated because the tools exist to end AIDS, but countries refuse to help.

This frustration makes sense when looking at past events. In July, the Trump administration tried to cut funding from PEPFAR, a major AIDS relief program. Senate Republicans later protected that funding, but the attempt worried advocates like John.

Critics have also questioned Trump’s recent comments on politicians, though the White House confirmed it is now working on solutions both in the U.S. and worldwide. Spokesman Kush Desai said the administration is strongly fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic at home and abroad through multiple government departments.