Kid Rock Dubs Donald Trump an ‘American Badass’ in Inauguration Interview

Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, spoke highly of newly-inaugurated President Donald Trump in an interview with ABC News on January 20. He shared his thoughts with correspondent Kyra Phillips following Trump’s inauguration.

Kid Rock was seen wearing sunglasses, drinking a beer, and smoking his “victory cigar” during the interview. He described Trump as “one of the greatest men to ever walk the Earth.” Rock said, “I call it like I see it. I think a lot of people are finding out what I’ve known for a long time, a lot of us have, that he’s one of the smartest guys in the room, he’s one of the funnest guys in the room – and he gets things done.”

Kid Rock’s Enthusiasm for Trump and Inauguration Performance

Rock referred to the 2020 election as a “fiasco” and said he has “never been more excited” for the Trump administration. He added, “Just to see somebody come from a business standpoint to get things done, to run this country how it needs to be run. Keep us safe, yes, but the business of America has been ran like complete crap the last four years. I love him for a million reasons.”

When Phillips asked which of his songs best described Trump, Rock said, “It’s ‘American Badass,’ 1,000%. When he walks in the room, he screams ‘American Badass’ just by the way he walks.”

Kid Rock was one of several musicians to perform at Trump’s inauguration celebrations, along with Jason Aldean, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, and the Village People. Rock performed on January 19 but did not play “American Badass” during his set. His set included parts of songs like “We the People” and “American Rock ‘n’ Roll.”

Watch interview below:

Kid Rock on His Bond with Trump and Handling Criticism

As the interview went on, Phillips asked Rock why Trump has shown a fondness for him over the years. Rock responded, “I’m a person that likes to win. I don’t sugarcoat things. I call it like I see it. Sometimes I might not get it absolutely correct. I’m a man with forgiveness in my heart. I’m a Christian. I can’t stress [enough] that I like to win. I love this country. And I know he wants to win for this country. How are you gonna argue with that? ‘Make America Great Again’? People were walking around with MAGA stuff the last eight years, and people are like, ‘Oh, you’re a racist N**i.’ Like, calm down a little bit.”

Rock addressed the backlash he has received, saying, “They went after me. They only made me stronger. I’m sure they’re only gonna continue to go after me. That’s fine. Have at it. It’s never bothered me.” He ended the interview joking that Trump had appointed him as the “Head of the Liquor Cabinet” in the new administration.