Gene Simmons has characterised his bond with Donald Trump as “terrific” whilst criticising Americans who fixate on the political allegiances of others.
In an interview broadcast on Sunday, the KISS legend dismissed concerns about his association with the president-elect.
“I don’t really care what people say,” Simmons told CNN. “Life has always been like that.”
The rock icon drew an unexpected comparison when defending Trump’s legitimacy, declaring: “Not everybody loves Jesus, but you can certainly say the following: he was a duly elected president of these United States, perhaps overwhelming by the popular vote, as well as the Electoral College. End of story.”
Mr Simmons maintained that voters’ choices should remain confidential, insisting it is “nobody’s damn business who you support.”
The musician expressed exasperation with what he sees as intrusive questioning about political affiliations.
Gene Simmons defends ‘terrific’ relationship with Donald Trump
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“Nowadays, people engage in, so, are you pro or — and my first question is ‘Who the f— are you? Who are you?'” Simmons said. “Since when does who I support or not support is the business of anyone except my conscience?”
When pressed about the MAGA movement within the Republican Party, the rocker offered a measured assessment, noting that “some of it makes sense and some not.”
However, he urged a more relaxed approach to political differences among neighbours.
“But literally, have a sense of humor,” he advised. “Take a pill, shut up and stop worrying what your next-door neighbor believes or doesn’t believe. It’s their America, too.”
Gene Simmons addressed his closeness with Trump
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Simmons also revealed details of a private encounter with Trump following the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony earlier this month, where KISS received recognition.
“And I actually met the president and on and off for years and years, decades before he entered politics,” he explained.
“And the conversation was what human beings do. How’s the family? How are the kids? And, you know, all that stuff. It’s not always about politics.”
The frontman noted he had spent time with various political figures during his Washington visit, including Senators Tillis and Blackburn, as well as Representative Adam Schiff.
Gene Simmons insisted ‘I don’t care what people say’
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Yet he emphasised that his most significant moment came during one-to-one time with Trump after the awards presentation, describing an exchange rooted in their longstanding personal acquaintance rather than political matters.
The KISS frontman’s appearance on Capitol Hill was primarily focused on advocating for the American Music Fairness Act, legislation that would compel AM and FM radio stations to pay performers royalties when broadcasting their recordings.
Simmons testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of the bipartisan bill, which was introduced in the House in January by Representative Darrell Issa.
Gene Simmons defended President Donald Trump
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During his testimony, the rocker declared: “If you are against this bill, you are un-American.”
He highlighted the financial disparity between broadcasters and musicians in his CNN interview, recorded on December 9.
“Radio stations last year made something like $14 billion,” Simmons stated. “Artists, who you heard on the radio stations made zero.
“Your favorite artist, whether it’s a classic artist or a new artist, made zero. And that is inexcusable.”