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Kid Rock recently criticized Michelle Obama’s decision to skip Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration, sharing his perspective during an appearance on Jesse Watters Primetime.
The musician expressed his view that the former First Lady appeared disgruntled, while reflecting on his own experience performing at Barack Obama’s 2009 inaugural celebrations. Despite not supporting Obama politically, the 54-year-old artist participated in the Youth Inaugural Ball alongside Kanye West and Fall Out Boy, citing his respect for the presidency as motivation.
“I would kindly remind her that years back when Obama was first elected, I did not vote for him. But they asked me to play the Inauguration. And I played it and I went,” the rocker said. “I had a good time. I went out of respect for the President so I would kindly remind Michelle about that.”
When asked why Michelle Obama isn’t attending President Trump’s inauguration, Kid Rock says she “seems a little angry,” and he has a message for her:
“When Obama was first elected, I did not vote for him, but they asked me to play the inauguration, and I played it…I went for… pic.twitter.com/8MmPHso8Vn
— Julia 🇺🇸 (@Jules31415) January 17, 2025
The former First Lady’s absence from both Trump’s inauguration and Jimmy Carter’s recent funeral has drawn attention. While Barack Obama is confirmed to attend the 60th Inaugural Ceremonies, Michelle’s team provided no explanation for her decision to skip the event.
The inauguration will see attendance from several prominent political figures, including President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, and former presidential couples George W. and Laura Bush, as well as Bill and Hillary Clinton.
Trump’s inauguration planners appear unfazed by Michelle Obama’s decision, with inside sources telling Page Six they hadn’t anticipated her attendance anyway.
Michelle Obama is setting the example for black women. By missing Jimmy Carter’s funeral and making a fool out of Barack, she’s telling black women that they don’t have to pay any respects or follow any protocols. pic.twitter.com/XCkLwlHm1D
— Jason Whitlock (@WhitlockJason) January 17, 2025
Rock, whose given name is Robert James Ritchie, has maintained strong support for Trump, performing “American Bad A–” at the Republican National Convention last July. While declining to perform at the actual inauguration ceremony, the five-time Grammy nominee has contributed to the event’s planning stages.
The singer detailed his extensive preparation for a proposed performance, including elaborate choreography and special effects, though security constraints ultimately limited certain elements.
“I’ve spent so much time on this,” he said. “I put something together. I put it all down on paper to the minute. Everything choreographed.”
Instead of participating in the main ceremony, Rock will conclude the inauguration day festivities with a performance at the “Make America Great Again Rally” at Capital One Arena.