Kid Rock has been a proud MAGA supporter for years, with the musician discussing his friendship with Donald Trump many times—from playing golf together to the former president asking Rock for his thoughts on North Korea.
The duo have even attended UFC fights together, with Trump and Rock’s more-recent outing together at Saturday’s UFC 295 match dividing the internet.
The pair sat ringside at Madison Square Garden in New York City, along with UFC president and Trump fan Dana White, conservative political commentator Tucker Carlson, and Donald Trump Jr.
Sarah Stier/Staff/Getty Images Sport
The 77-year-old business mogul waved at the crowd as the group took their seats, with Rock’s “American Bada**” playing as they entered.
However, the fivesome’s arrival at the event split opinions online, with user Andreas Hale calling Trump, Rock and White the “Unholy Trinity of conservatism, racism and xenophobia” on X, formerly Twitter.
“The funny thing is, is that these losers think it’s cool to be hanging out with Kid Rock,” wrote X user Amy Lynn.
“I’m embarrassed for you all. Trump, Kid Rock, and even you, Tucker,” posted Kristi, alongside a clip of the group’s arrival. “This is pure wanna-be celebrity status. We need serious leadership in this country, and this isn’t it.”
Tony shared footage of Nia Renee Hill—who was sitting with her husband, comedian Bill Burr—appearing to “flip off” Trump and his cohorts as they pass by. The caption read: “The Lovely Nia flipping the bird at Orange45 [Trump was the 45th president] is the best thing I’ve seen all weekend.”
Laurie agreed, writing: “Billy Burr’s wife is at least 81 million Americans giving losers Trump, Kid Rock and Tucker DOUBLE middle fingers at the UFC fight.”
THE WORLD NEEDED THIS.
President Trump, Tucker Carlson, Don Jr., Kid Rock, and Dana White walked into Madison Square Garden together.
Listen to that crowd…
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) November 12, 2023
However, other users were pleased to see the group hanging out, with Graham Allen commenting: “THE WORLD NEEDED THIS. Listen to that crowd…”
“Biden can’t walk off a stage. Trump is partying with Kid Rock. I like my team,” wrote Buzz Patterson.
“Trump rolling into the UFC tonight in NYC with Tucker and Kid Rock to USA chants. Honest question, could Joe Biden go to any sporting event in America and get this reception?” asked Clay Travis.
“Joe Biden will never experience this type of love from the people,” wrote Jason D. Meister. “MAGA is ascendant.”
Newsweek has reached out to Kid Rock and Donald Trump for comment via email.
Rock—whose real name is Robert James Ritchie—endorsed Trump in the 2016 presidential election, even expanding his line of merchandise to support the real-estate magnate. Rock, who paid a visit to the White House in 2017, and in 2022, told Carlson that Hollywood is full of closeted Trump fans.
The feeling appears to be mutual for Trump. In April 2022, Rock opened his Bad Reputation tour with a video message from the ex-president, in which he described the musician as “truly one of the greatest entertainers of our time.”
“Hello, everyone. I love you all. I know you’re having a great time at the Kid Rock concert tonight,” Trump said in the short clip.
“Quite frankly, he’s amazing. All of you in attendance are truly the backbone of our great country. Hard-working, God-fearing rock-and-roll patriots.”
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.