Five Famous Politicians Who Loved Cigars

Rocky Patel once remarked that if all politicians smoked cigars, we might achieve world peace. While that might be a bit optimistic, there’s no denying that cigars have a history of bringing people together—even if not all political conflicts were resolved over a good smoke. Here’s a look at five famous politicians who were known for their love of cigars.

1. Winston Churchill

No list of cigar-smoking politicians is complete without Winston Churchill. The former British Prime Minister was rarely seen without his signature cigar, famously favouring the Romeo y Julieta No. 2. His cigar of choice became so synonymous with him that the “Churchill” vitola, a 7×47-sized cigar, was named in his honour. Churchill’s love for cigars was legendary, often smoking up to 10 a day, even during wartime meetings. His image with a cigar became an iconic symbol of his leadership during World War II.

2. Bill Clinton

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton is another notable cigar enthusiast, although his cigar legacy is rather infamous. The scandal involving White House intern Monica Lewinsky made headlines in the 1990s, not only for the affair but also for the alleged use of a cigar during their encounters. While this controversy led to his impeachment—not because of the affair but due to his denial and obstruction of justice—Clinton’s love for cigars was never in doubt. His preferred cigars included Montecristos and Gurkhas.

3. John F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy’s presidency marked a turning point in U.S.-Cuba relations, with the Cuban embargo still in effect today. Famously, Kennedy ordered his press secretary, Pierre Salinger, to buy as many H. Upmann Petit Corona cigars as possible just before signing the embargo. Salinger managed to secure 1,200 cigars, ensuring that Kennedy had a personal supply even as Cuban imports were banned. The embargo made Cuban cigars a rare and coveted luxury in the U.S., adding to Kennedy’s mystique as a cigar aficionado.

4. Rudy Giuliani

Rudy Giuliani, known for his role as the tough-on-crime mayor of New York City during the 9/11 attacks, is also a notable cigar lover. Before entering politics, Giuliani was a key figure in dismantling the New York mafia. As a politician, he became an advocate for cigar rights, even speaking at the 2017 IPCPR (now PCA) trade show. His passion for cigars and his support for the industry have made him a respected figure among cigar enthusiasts.

5. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s journey from bodybuilder to Hollywood star and then to Governor of California is well-known. What’s also well-documented is his love for cigars, or “stogies,” as he calls them. As Governor, Schwarzenegger proposed altering the roof of the California Capitol to create an outdoor cigar-smoking area after indoor smoking was banned. His love for cigars was so strong that it influenced his policies and social interactions during his tenure. Even after his political career, Schwarzenegger remains a vocal and visible cigar enthusiast.

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