Kid Rock expressed sharp criticism toward former first lady Michelle Obama for her decision to forgo attending President-elect Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.
The comments were made during his appearance on “Jesse Watters Primetime” Thursday night, where the musician reflected on his own experience performing at an inaugural event.
“She seems a little angry,” the outspoken Trump supporter said, per the New York Post.
The five-time Grammy nominee, known offstage as Robert James Ritchie, shared that he had performed at the Youth Inaugural Ball in 2009 after former President Barack Obama’s first swearing-in. Kid Rock stated he agreed to the event out of “respect for the president” despite not having voted for Obama.
“I would kindly remind her that years back when Obama was first elected, I did not vote for him,” he said. But they asked me to play the inauguration.”
“And I played it and I went. I had a good time.”
“I went out of respect for the president, so I would kindly remind Michelle about that.”
Michelle Obama, 61, will not be attending the 60th presidential inauguration at the Capitol next week, following her absence at former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral in Washington, D.C., last week. A statement from the Office of Barack and Michelle Obama confirmed that former President Barack Obama will be present at the ceremony, but Michelle Obama’s team has not disclosed any reason for her planned absence.
Sources close to Michelle later revealed that the former first lady would not be attending Trump’s inauguration because she did not want to appear “fake.” This decision has sparked criticism on social media, with many users labeling it hypocritical in light of the Democratic Party’s emphasis on unity.”
The Obamas previously attended Trump’s first inauguration in 2017, setting a precedent for bipartisan participation in such events. This time, however, the absence has drawn reactions from Trump’s camp.
Sources involved in planning the festivities reportedly told Page Six they were “having a good laugh” over Michelle Obama’s decision, with one source saying, “They didn’t expect her to come anyway,” as Resist the Mainstream noted earlier.
Other notable political figures, including President Joe Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden, are expected to attend the ceremony. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, along with their wives Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, are also slated to witness Trump’s swearing-in.
Kid Rock’s relationship with Trump has been well documented. The rocker took the stage during the final night of the Republican National Convention in July to perform his hit song “American Bad Ass,” coinciding with Trump’s acceptance of the GOP nomination.
Despite his alignment with Trump, Kid Rock revealed he “respectfully” declined an invitation to perform at the upcoming inauguration.
“I’ve spent so much time on this,” he said, referring to the detailed plans he created for a performance, which included elaborate choreography and effects.
However, logistical challenges led to the performance not materializing.
“They’re like, yeah, we can’t light off fireworks and have big pyrotechnics. I’m not sure we could have strippers on poles,” he quipped.
Instead, the singer will headline the “Make America Great Again Rally” at Capital One Arena later on Inauguration Day.
