Fact Check: Did Kid Rock donate earnings from TPUSA halftime show to ICE?

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA: Following TPUSA's All-American Halftime Show, a claim has been circulating on social media platforms that singer Kid Rock donated all his earnings from the show to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The claim has sparked speculation, with many questioning the authenticity of the rumor. Let us fact-check the claim.

Claim: Kid Rock donated his earnings to ICE

The rumor surfaced on a Facebook page called ‘America’s Last Line of Defense,’ which shared a picture of Kid Rock with overlay text stating, “Kid Rock made good on his promise to donate the $250,000 he earned from playing the TPUSA Halftime show to ICE agents attacked by violent leftists."

"‘There are dozens of them across the country who were just trying to do their jobs when they were attacked," said Kid, "It's only right that someone steps up for them.’ What a great American. Thank you, Kid Rock!!!”

Different variations of the claim have circulated on Facebook and Threads. One post quoted the singer as saying, “'America needs secure borders. ICE plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe and deserves full support.'”

Fact Check: The claim originated as a satire

The rumor, however, is false, as the viral post by America’s Last Line of Defense comes from a parody account. The page’s bio even states, “Nothing on this page is real.” The disclaimer is also mentioned as overlay text on the post.

The claim originated from a Facebook page called Plusle Lounge, which cited a link to an article that supposedly supports the claim. The article in the link states, “If sυch a doпatioп were formally made, it woυld typically be accompaпied by a press release, a fiпaпcial filiпg, or coпfirmatioп from the Departmeпt of Homelaпd Secυrity ackпowledgiпg receipt aпd iпteпded υse.” 

It further states, “Αs of the early hoυrs followiпg the viral sυrge, пo major пatioпal oυtlets had pυblished iпdepeпdeпt verificatioп coпfirmiпg the exact figυre or coпfirmiпg that the fυпds were traпsferred directly to ICE operational accoυnts.”

There is no evidence that Kid Rock made such a statement, nor are there any credible news media reports supporting the claim.

ICE is a federal law enforcement agency under the Department of Homeland Security. It is funded by tax dollars and does not accept direct monetary donations. Hence, the viral claim is false.

TPUSA's alternative Halftime show

TPUSA's show is being positioned as an ideological alternative to the NFL’s halftime headliner, Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny. The organization, founded by late activist Charlie Kirk, announced its All-American Halftime Show to “celebrate faith, family, and freedom.”

In addition to Kid Rock, the show featured performances by Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.