KISS icon Gene Simmons has disclosed that he has both Elon Musk and President Donald Trump in his phone contacts, in comments shared via Hollywood Raw podcast.
Simmons talked about the most famous and impressive people he knows. He described what kind of contact he maintains with these high-profile figures.
“Maybe not the most famous person, although he could be, but certainly the most impressive person,” Simmons said. “I’ve got Elon’s [Musk, the CEO and largest shareholder of Tesla and SpaceX] number… I’ve got the [U.S.] president’s [Donald Trump] number and stuff.”
Simmons went on to detail the nature of his communication with Trump. “As a matter of fact, [Trump] sends me, through his assistant, weekly or bi-weekly sort of texts about what’s going on,” he said. “I’m certain I’m not the only one. I’m sure I’m just a name in the list.”
He reflected on his access to such prominent figures. “I’m a lucky guy. I get a chance to rub elbows with people who are extraordinary, really impressive people who don’t take life for granted.”
Simmons made these remarks during an appearance on the Hollywood Raw podcast. The comments offer a glimpse into his personal network and the connections he has built over his career.
Simmons has a long history with Trump that goes back decades. He met Trump off and on for years before Trump entered politics, and even appeared as a contestant on Trump’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” show. When Trump ran for president in 2016 and won the election, Simmons said he was happy because he already knew Trump from their past encounters in clubs and social settings.
The KISS co-founder has called several billionaire business leaders the most impressive people he knows. Besides Trump and Musk, Simmons has named Warren Buffett and Jeff Bezos as figures he greatly admires. He has described Elon Musk as “an absolute rock star” and expressed his appreciation for Musk’s bold ideas about space exploration, solar power, and electric vehicles.
Simmons has also maintained a public presence in Washington, D.C. circles. He testified at the Senate in support of the American Music Fairness Act on December 9. Additionally, Simmons expressed his gratitude to Trump when the president selected KISS as a recipient for a Kennedy Center Honor in 2025.
KISS concluded their nearly four-year long End of the Road farewell tour with a concert at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on December 2, 2023. After retiring from touring, the band will play a one-off show in Las Vegas during a 50th anniversary celebration for the KISS Army, the band’s fan club, on November 14th-16th at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas.
