Kid Rock Labels Trump an ‘American Badass’ During Inauguration

Kid Rock has once again shared his fondness for the newly-inaugurated U.S. President Donald Trump during an interview with ABC News on Monday (Jan. 20).

Speaking to correspondent Kyra Phillips following Trump’s inauguration, Rock (whose real name is Robert James Ritchie) appeared with sunglasses on as he drank a beer, smoked his “victory cigar”, and explained why it was that Trump resonated with him so strongly.

“He’s one of the greatest men to ever walk the Earth,” Rock explained. “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.”

Referring to the “fiasco” of the “rigged election” that ended Trump’s first term, Rock said he’s “never been more excited” for the nascent administration. “Just to see somebody come from a business standpoint to get things done, to run this country how it needs to be run,” he explained. “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.”

As Phillips continued her interview with Rock, she asked the musician about which of his songs described Trump best. “It’s ‘American Badass,’ 1,000%,” Rock explained. “When he walks in the room, he screams ‘American Badass’ just by the way he walks.”

Rock was one of the many musicians who performed at Trump’s inauguration weekend celebrations, which also included the likes of Jason Aldean, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lee Greenwood, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and the Village People. Rock’s brief performance took place on Sunday (Jan. 19), and despite including parts of songs such as “We the People” and “American Rock ‘n’ Roll”, did not feature “American Badass” on the setlist.

Phillips continued in this vein by questioning Rock’s inclusion in such an event, asking why Trump has expressed a fondness for the musician in recent years.

“I’m a person that likes to win. I don’t sugarcoat things. I call it like I see it,” Rock explained. “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 Nazi.” Like, calm down a little bit.”

“They went after me. They only made me stronger,” he continued. “I’m sure they’re only gonna continue to go after me. That’s fine. Have at it. It’s never bothered me.”

Rock concluded his interview by repeating his joke that Trump had appointed him “Head of the Liquor Cabinet” as part of the new administration.