When Kid Rock steps onto the stage on Sunday at Donald Trump's Make America Great Again Rally in Washington, D.C., he will also celebrate nearly a decade of camaraderie with the president-elect. The announcement that Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, would serenade the audience on the eve of Trump's inauguration did not come as a shock. The 54-year-old "Cowboy" musician has emerged as one of Trump's most fervent and at times, fanatical supporters since the reality TV star-turned-politician clinched the presidential election in 2016.
Even before the Republican primaries had commenced that year, Rock expressed his allegiance to the former "Apprentice" host, who is now 78. "I'm digging Donald Trump," he disclosed to Rolling Stone at that time. "My sentiment: Allow the businessman to manage it like a business. And boy, his campaign has been as entertaining as hell."
Yet, it wasn't until April 2017, after Trump's electoral triumph, that the duo finally met in person. This meeting was facilitated by Sarah Palin, 60, who invited Rock along with another conservative entertainer, Ted Nugent, 76, on a visit to the White House. "When President Trump invited me for dinner and suggested bringing a couple of friends, I facetiously remarked, 'Because Jesus was already booked,'" Palin penned on her website following the visit, according to the New York Times.
"Our encounter blossomed into a genuine buddyhood," Kid Rock reminisced during his conversation with Tucker Carlson on 'Tucker Carlson Tonight' in 2022. "[We] now frequent the golf course together, sharing countless hours. Receiving phone calls from him is surreal; it's almost mind-boggling." The musician further disclosed to Carlson that during Trump's tenure in the White House, he had sought his counsel on matters of foreign policy.
Their camaraderie persisted long after Trump vacated 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The duo was spotted cheering on UFC matches side by side in both 2023 and 2024. Since their friendship took root, Rock has lent his talents to numerous Trump events, most notably the Republican National Convention last July.
During his nomination acceptance speech, Trump highlighted their bond, recounting how the 'Bawitdaba' hitmaker had reached out, eager to be part of the convention. "He's been a friend of mine for the past decade, and he's incredible," Trump exclaimed to the crowd. "Everyone adores him. I had no idea he was that big of a deal."
When the Detroit rocker took to the stage to introduce the president-elect at the National Guard Association of the United States' 146th General Conference on August 26, Trump revealed a nickname he had for Rock: "Bob." He praised, "He's a fantastic guy, incredibly talented, and it's an honor to stand among such incredible patriots."
In an interview with Rolling Stone in May, Rock expressed pride in his relationship with Trump, noting that the former president often calls him for a chat. "[He's] one of my closest friends," Rock added with warmth.
