Legendary crooner Pat Boone is a lifelong Republican and friend of President Donald Trump. However, the singer isn’t afraid to voice his criticism of POTUS.
Boone, 91, was once known as a teen idol and hosted The Pat Boone Chevy Showroom, a variety series, from 1957 to 1960. While often pitted against Elvis Presley, the two eventually became dear friends. While his singing career continued for decades, he became increasingly popular for his conservative politics, and occasionally popped up on TV to share his perspective.
In a new interview, Boone opened up about his friendship with Trump and stated that while he considers the President a friend, he has some strong feelings about the way he does things.
“He’s doing great things, but he won’t wait for other people to brag on him. He wants to make sure you know, and he wants his name on too many things. And I think he doesn’t seem to grasp that that’s turning off more people than it is attracting,” Boone told the Daily Mail in a revealing new interview.
Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin on Getty Images
(Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin on Getty Images)
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
Boone Calls Trump a “Genius”
Boone went on to say that while “It’s obvious he’s a genius at what he does,” he “feels like he’s his own worst enemy, though, at the same time.”
Boone said he wished Trump would adopt the methodologies of another president: Ronald Reagan.
“I wish he had more of the calm of Ronald Reagan. I mean, still do great things, but let it sneak up on us, so that people say: ‘Hey, he did what he said.’ He doesn’t have to yell it to us and make sure that we know. But he’s in his heart and mind, his purpose is to be a great leader and to help the country and to be famous for being great. Well, it’s hard to keep on being great if you keep talking about it. At least that’s my view.”
Boone concluded by sharing that he wished Trump would adopt a sense of humility. When asked for his hopes for Trump’s next three years in office, the singer stated that he hopes for a sense of stability and reason.
“I would want him to say: ‘Well, I did good and I did what I promised I’d do and I was humble and wise enough to see if I was going too fast or too far and pull back and let the public catch up with what I’m trying to do,'” Boone concluded.
Related: ’50s Icon Pat Boone Recalls Major Compliment He Got From Elvis Presley: ‘I’ll Never Forget’
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.