Michelle Obama‘s decision to skip Donald Trump‘s inauguration continues to provoke backlash, and Kid Rock, a staunch Trump supporter, is the latest to speak up. The musician shared why he thinks the former First Lady went too far with her decision. During an appearance on Fox News, Kid Rock criticized Mrs. Obama while discussing his upcoming performance at Trump’s inauguration ceremony. “I heard Michelle Obama’s not attending,” he told host Jesse Watters.
“I would kindly remind her that years back, when [Barack] Obama was first elected, I did not vote for him. But they asked me to play at the inauguration and I played it. I went.”
The Redneck Paradise artist argued that he went out of “respect for the presidency,” and he expected Michelle to have done the same. The performance was at the 2009 Youth Ball, where Rock performed alongside Kanye West and Fall Out Boy. The country artist sang renditions of Sweet Home Alabama and his 1998 hit song Cowboy for his set.
When asked why the Becoming author declined to attend the inauguration, unlike other former First Ladies, Kid Rock replied, “She seems a little angry.” Earlier this week, Michelle’s office confirmed her absence at the ceremony as she remains in Hawaii. No explanation was given.
How Does Kid Rock Feel About The Obamas?
Despite being a Republican and a huge supporter of Trump, Kid Rock has always spoken fondly of the Obamas. The singer, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, once recalled his first time meeting former president Barack.
“Michelle looked beautiful. Barack’s cool as a cucumber in a bowl of hot sauce,” he said of their interaction.
He detailed how Barack extended an invitation after the Secret Service barred him from bringing his teenage son backstage in 2009.
“We say hello. [Obama’s] like, ‘Tell me what’s going on, Rock,‘” the singer recollected. “I’m like, ‘I’ll tell you what’s going on. My son is sitting out the door who’s mixed. His mother’s Black. I’m, like, kinda big deal, like, you know, if you’d like to say hi to him for a second.’ He’s like, ‘Sure, bring him in.’”
Following the incident, it seems Kid Rock developed a lifelong respect for the 44th US president. During a 2022 appearance on Bill Maher’s podcast, he revealed his desire to enjoy a drink with Obama. “I want to hang out with Obama and drink beer,” the 54-year-old confessed. “I mean there’s not a cooler — all the presidents that I’ve, you know, [been] able to meet.”
Hopefully, Michelle’s absence from Trump’s inauguration doesn’t negatively affect Kid Rock’s perception of the Obamas.
