Kid Rock brands media 'public enemy number 1' in fiery attack at Trump rally in Tennessee
CLARKSVILLE, TENNESSEE: Musician Kid Rock used a rally appearance in Clarksville, Tennessee, to deliver a sharp rebuke of American news outlets while throwing his support behind President Donald Trump on Saturday, October 10.
Speaking before Trump took the stage, the singer accused sections of the media of distorting information, prioritizing attention over accuracy and deepening political divisions.
His remarks also offered another glimpse into the close political alignment between the rock star and the president.
Kid Rock Goes Off On The Media in Tennessee "I believe the media has become PUBLIC ENEMY NUMBER ONE!" "When it comes to honest debate, too often we see facts twisted into half-truths, outrage sold for clicks and views, and a liberal agenda packaged as honest reporting." "Division has become their business model, and business is booming."
— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) October 10, 2026
Kid Rock slams legacy media
Kid Rock did not hold back in his assessment of the American media during his address at the Tennessee rally.
He described the press as “public enemy number one” when it comes to honest debate, arguing that the pursuit of clicks and views had overtaken responsible journalism.
“I believe the media has become public enemy number one when it comes to honest debate,” he said.
The musician accused news organizations of presenting distorted versions of events and turning political disagreement into a source of outrage.
He argued that facts were being reshaped into partial truths and that what he characterized as a liberal political agenda was being presented to audiences as impartial reporting.
“Division has become their business model, and business is booming,” Kid Rock said.
Trump was visiting Clarksville to rally support for Republican candidates ahead of the November midterm elections.
Kid Rock praises Trump's resilience
Kid Rock also used his speech to praise Trump's approach to public communication, presenting the president as a politician who speaks his mind without hiding behind prepared messaging.
“One thing I like about President Trump is that he never leaves you thinking where he stands and what he thinks,” the musician said.
He went on to describe Trump as “not a puppet” and claimed the president did not need a teleprompter to communicate his thoughts.
Kid Rock also called him the toughest and most resilient president ever, portraying him as someone who continues to fight for his supporters despite facing sustained criticism.
🔥 LET'S GO! Legendary musician Kid Rock just PERSONALLY introduced President Trump on stage in Clarksville, Tennessee -- and it was epic 🇺🇸 @KidRock: "Now, please welcome the 45th, probably 46th, DEFINITELY the 47th, President of the United States of America, DONALD J. TRUMP!" 🇺🇸
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) October 10, 2026
Kid Rock's appearance was not limited to political commentary.
He personally introduced Trump before the president addressed the crowd, using a reference to Trump’s claim about the 2020 election.
“Now, please welcome the 45th, probably 46th, definitely the 47th, President of the United States of America, Donald J Trump!” he announced.
The remarks were consistent with the musician's longstanding public support for Trump.
Kid Rock has backed Trump since 2016, when he praised his business background and entertaining campaign.
Their friendship grew through golf and White House visits.
In 2023, he called Trump the “greatest president” and praised him as “the toughest person on earth.”