The legendary British singer Rod Stewart has disclosed that his friendship with President Donald Trump has ended due to significant changes in Trump's behavior, especially since assuming the presidency. Speaking to Radio Times, Stewart shared that he used to have a close relationship with Trump when they were neighbors in Florida.
"I knew Trump very, very well," the musician stated, explaining that they lived "literally half a mile apart" and often attended holiday parties and beach gatherings together. "I used to go to his house," Stewart reminisced.
Stewart noted that he had once admired a particular quality in Trump: "He was always a bit of a man's man," but quickly added, "In my opinion, he didn't treat women very well."
The artist was clear in stating that the Trump he sees today as president is not the same man he once knew: "He's become a different person. Someone I didn't recognize," he asserted.
Their estrangement was further fueled by political and humanitarian differences. Stewart criticized the roles of both the United States and the United Kingdom in the Gaza conflict, particularly regarding arms sales to Israel.
"As long as you keep selling arms to the Israelis, and you keep doing it, how is that war ever going to stop?" the singer questioned.
He continued, "What [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] is doing to the Palestinians is exactly what happened to the Jews. It's annihilation, and that's all he wants: to get rid of all of them. I don't know how they sleep at night."
At 79 years old, Rod Stewart is currently recovering from the flu, which forced him to cancel and postpone concerts in the United States. The performer of "Have I Told You Lately?" and "Rhythm of My Heart" is scheduled to return to the stage on June 29 at the legendary Glastonbury Festival, where he will headline the "Legends" section on the Pyramid Stage.
Rod Stewart and Donald Trump: The End of a Friendship
Why did Rod Stewart end his friendship with Donald Trump?
Rod Stewart ended his friendship with Donald Trump due to significant changes in Trump's behavior, particularly following his presidency, as well as political and humanitarian differences.
What were some of the political disagreements between Stewart and Trump?
Stewart criticized the roles of the United States and the United Kingdom in the Gaza conflict, especially regarding arms sales to Israel, which he viewed as a factor in perpetuating the war.
What did Rod Stewart say about Trump's treatment of women?
Rod Stewart mentioned that, in his opinion, Donald Trump did not treat women very well.