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Sylvester Stallone says he won’t take NEA post if offered

The Trump transition: Russian hacking and Cabinet decisions
The Trump transition: Russian hacking and Cabinet decisions 08:13

“Rocky” star Sylvester Stallone said that he was “flattered” by reports that Donald Trump was considering him to head up the National Endowment of the Arts -- but he’d have to pass if the offer actually came through.

Reports began circulating late last week that the president-elect had considered approaching Stallone for the position of chairman of the NEA. 

“I am incredibly flattered to have been suggested to be involved with the National Endowment of the Arts,” Stallone said in a statement to People magazine. “However, I believe I could be more effective by bringing national attention to returning military personnel in an effort to find gainful employment, suitable housing and financial assistance these heroes respectfully deserve.”

The NEA is responsible for distributing government grants to arts organizations.

Stallone had previously expressed concern about Trump’s qualifications for the presidency, telling Variety earlier this year, “I love Donald Trump. He’s a great Dickensian character. You know what I mean? There are certain people like Arnold [Schwarzenegger], Babe Ruth, that are bigger than life. But I don’t know how that translates to running the world.”

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