KISS icon Gene Simmons recently revealed that he has Elon Musk and President Donald Trump on his phone’s contact list, sharing these details during an appearance on the Hollywood Raw podcast.
During the interview, Simmons discussed the most famous and impressive people in his contact list, explaining his connection to both figures.
“Maybe not the most famous person, although he could be, but certainly the most impressive person,” Simmons said. “I’ve got Elon’s number… I’ve got the president’s number and stuff.”
He then went on to explain how he receives regular updates from Donald Trump’s team.
“As a matter of fact, [Trump] sends me, through his assistant, weekly or bi-weekly sort of texts about what’s going on,” Simmons continued. “I’m certain I’m not the only one. I’m sure I’m just a name in the list.”
Simmons concluded by expressing his gratitude for being able to connect with such prominent individuals.
“I’m a lucky guy,” he added. “I get a chance to rub elbows with people who are extraordinary, really impressive people who don’t take life for granted.”
Simmons’ comments are not the first sign of his long-running ties to some of the most powerful figures in American politics and business, and he has repeatedly spoken publicly about his relationships with both men.
The rock icon’s connection to Trump goes back at least to December 2025, when the president honored KISS at the White House. Trump presented Kennedy Center Honors medals to Simmons, Paul Stanley and Peter Criss during an Oval Office ceremony, describing the band in glowing terms.
“Kiss is an incredible rock band,” Trump said at the event, also calling the honorees “incredible people” who represented “the very best in American arts and culture.”
Simmons has been equally open about his admiration for Musk. The bassist and vocalist ranked the Tesla and SpaceX chief executive among the entrepreneurs he respects most.
“The most impressive people to me are Warren Buffett and Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos,” Simmons said, later adding of Musk: “He’s planning, for goodness sakes, cities on Mars while the rest of us are complaining about the traffic jam.”
His respect for the office of the presidency has also been a recurring theme. Simmons has argued that the title itself deserves deference regardless of personal politics.
“No matter what you think of the person who’s actually got the title, I respect the presidency,” he said.
At the same time, Simmons has been openly critical of celebrities who use their platforms for political commentary, often telling fellow entertainers to focus on their art instead. That stance has made his own candor about his high-profile contacts all the more notable among fans and critics alike.
