Willie Nelson Recalls Working for Trump Resort
The 93-year-old country star said he spent two weeks at Donald Trump's Atlantic City resort while promoting his sixth book.
Updated on Nov. 14, 2026 in Country
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Willie Nelson, 93, revealed in an interview with The Guardian that he worked for Donald Trump at his Atlantic City resort for two weeks. Nelson, an outspoken Democrat, said the two disagree on politics "probably 100%," and Trump thanked him for the work and shook his hand.
Why it matters
The disclosure highlights the unusual crossover between a longtime progressive country icon and a political figure he says he opposes on nearly every issue. It also surfaces in the run-up to his new memoir, "The Last Leaf," which is set for release on November 10.
Nelson's new book, "The Last Leaf: Reflections on Late-Life Creativity -- and My Longest Love Affair," is his sixth and is scheduled for release on November 10. The source does not report sales or commercial projections for the title.
The players
Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson is a Grammy-winning country music legend and longtime outspoken Democrat known for songs such as "On the Road Again" and for his activism on farm aid and cannabis policy.
Donald Trump
Donald Trump is the 47th President of the United States and a real estate developer whose Atlantic City resort is the site of Nelson's work.
The details
In an interview with The Guardian promoting the book, Nelson said he worked at Trump's Atlantic City resort for two weeks and that Trump thanked him and shook his hand. Nelson described his political views as far apart from Trump's, saying he disagrees with practically everything the president has tried to do.
Timeline
Nov. 10: Nelson's new book, "The Last Leaf," is set for release.
Nov. 14, 2026: The Guardian interview about Nelson's work for Trump is published.
Industry Dynamics
Nelson's account stands apart from the pattern of his decades of public progressive advocacy, including co-founding Farm Aid in 1985 with Neil Young and John Mellencamp. Entertainers crossing political lines to take on unrelated work remain a recurring theme in the music business.
Readers interested in Nelson's perspective can preorder "The Last Leaf," set for release on November 10. The book is his sixth and reflects on late-life creativity.
The takeaway
Nelson's account shows that personal working relationships can cross sharp political divides. Readers can see how public figures often keep professional ties even when their politics diverge.
What happens next
Nelson's new book, "The Last Leaf," is scheduled for release on November 10.
Further reading
Explore more in Country music news.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Silive.
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