Kid Rock Claims Trump Support Cost Him Hollywood Opportunities, But He Has No Regrets
The musician states his convictions are more important than industry access and discusses his new faith-inspired album.
Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie, stated that his public support for former President Donald Trump has led to a significant professional cost, including the loss of corporate deals and invitations to late-night television programs. However, the musician asserts he has no regrets, prioritizing his beliefs and freedom of speech over access to the entertainment industry.
"My relationship with Trump, yeah, that canceled all the, uh, any corporate deals coming my way. I don't really get invited to be part of, you know, things like the NFL or things like that … all the shows that I was so friendly with over the years, from all the late-night talk shows to my friend Jimmy Kimmel and Jimmy Fallon, I don't really get invited on there anymore," Kid Rock told Fox News Digital in an exclusive interview. He added, "But who's to say that won't change … and I honestly, I don't care."
Kid Rock explained that he anticipated losing opportunities when he became more vocal about his political stances. "I put my country before pretty much everything except my family and God," he said. "So, yeah. There's been things like that, but that's no sweat off my back."
He expressed that he no longer has patience for the corporate maneuvering that was once part of his career, particularly the concern over how his opinions might affect future opportunities. "I didn't enjoy the rat race of the music business. It was very necessary, and I'm glad I did it. And I'm thankful for all the opportunities that got me to where I am today," he stated. "But the message I'm putting out now is so much more important than any of that."
The rocker said he relishes the freedom to express himself without worrying about professional repercussions. "And years ago, when I went on this path to be more vocal and outspoken, I knew that stuff was going to go away. But man, let me tell you what freedom feels like," he said. "To be able to speak your mind anywhere, anytime and really exercise … the freedom of speech that so many brave souls died for, to be able to express that, when I want and how I want and not have to worry about anything in between."
Kid Rock's current focus is not on regaining favor with Hollywood but on his new faith-inspired album, "Halfway 2 Jesus." The album blends Christian themes with rock music and includes a collaboration with longtime friend Eminem. Despite Eminem's public criticism of Trump, Kid Rock stated that their friendship has endured, though he acknowledged it has been tested.
"There's been moments when, yeah, friendships have been tested. With Eminem, it would probably be, you know, when he did the thing at the BET Awards, where he's just going hard in the paint against Trump," Kid Rock recounted. "But you know what I mean? At the end of the day, I looked at it like, man, that's his truth. That's how he feels."
In the foreword to "Halfway 2 Jesus," Kid Rock expressed hope that his friendship with Eminem serves as an example for others whose personal relationships have been strained by political differences. "We differ politically and on other things, but we've stayed friends through it all," he wrote. "We hope that sets an example for people who've lost friends or stopped talking to family because they think differently."
The album's creation was influenced by a deepening of Kid Rock's faith, which he attributes in part to attending the memorial service for conservative activist Charlie Kirk in September 2025. He recalled being moved to tears by Kirk's widow, Erika, who publicly forgave the man accused of killing her husband.
"And when Erika got up there and forgave his murderer, about dropped me to my knees," he told Fox News Digital. "It just brought tears to my eyes that someone could be that forgiving and I just started to become closer in my faith, pray a little bit more, pay attention to things around me."
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