Kid Rock takes a swipe at Michelle Obama for skipping Donald Trump’s inauguration: ‘Seems a little angry’

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: When it comes to calling things as he sees them, Kid Rock has never been one to mince words.

This time, the outspoken musician turned his attention to former first lady Michelle Obama, and let’s just say he had some pointed advice about her decision to skip Donald Trump’s upcoming inauguration.

In an appearance on 'Jesse Watters Primetime', Kid Rock took aim at Michelle for her choice not to attend the January 20 event — saying she "seems a little angry".

Kid Rock shades Michelle Obama for skipping Donald Trump's inauguration

During the interview, Kid Rock didn’t hold back when discussing Michelle Obama's absence, describing it as less about tradition and more about attitude.

“I would kindly remind her that years back when [Barack] Obama was first elected, I did not vote for him, but they asked me to play the inauguration, and I played it and I went,” Kid Rock explained.

He went on to recall having a great time performing at the event, even though he didn’t share the same political views as the Obamas.

“So I would kindly remind Miss Michelle about that,” he added, noting that he believed her attendance at Trump’s inauguration would show respect for the presidency, Fox News reported.

After skipping former president Jimmy Carter's state funeral on January 9, Michelle has also opted out of Trump's inauguration. Her office offered no specific explanation for this decision.

Multiple reports have suggested that there is more to Michelle’s decision to skip Trump’s swearing-in. Some speculate it as an act of quiet resistance, with The Hill reporting that she’s “saving some credibility” by not being there.

Michelle Obama's history of attacking Donald Trump

And this isn’t the first time Michelle Obama has made her feelings about Donald Trump clear. Back in 2017, she attended his inauguration with her husband Barack Obama, but it wasn’t exactly a joyful occasion for her. Speaking on her 'The Light Podcast' in 2023, Michelle reflected on what that day felt like.

“There were tears, there was that emotion. But then to sit on that stage and watch the opposite of what we represented on display – there was no diversity, there was no color on that stage, there was no reflection of the broader sense of America,” she said. "Many people took pictures of me, and they’re like, you weren’t in a good mood. No, I was not."

Michelle recalled the emotional toll it took to get through it. “I cried for 30 minutes after the ceremony because that's how much we were holding it together for eight years without really being able to show it all,” she shared.

Her past remarks about Trump haven’t exactly been warm and fuzzy either. Speaking at the Democratic National Convention in August last year, Michelle accused him of “doubling down on ugly misogynistic, racist lies as a substitute for real ideas and solutions that will actually make people’s lives better".

She went further, saying Trump’s worldview made him “feel threatened” by successful Black individuals like her and Barack.

“For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” she continued, adding, “See, his limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hard-working, highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black."

Kid Rock is excited for Donald Trump's inauguration despite Michelle Obama breaking tradition

Skipping the presidential inauguration is quite a departure from tradition, where former presidents and first ladies usually show up as a sign of unity.

Former President George W Bush and his wife Laura will be there, as will Bill and Hillary Clinton. Michelle’s absence, however, comes on the heels of another missed event—former president Jimmy Carter’s funeral.

While Barack attended the funeral alongside Trump, Michelle opted out — further fueling speculation about her recent public absences and the state of her marriage.

While Michelle might be steering clear of Trump’s inauguration, Kid Rock is all in and he’s making no secret of his enthusiasm. Calling Trump a “terrific guy,” the musician is looking forward to what’s next.

“We need someone in here making sensible decisions,” he said. “I want somebody smart who can run this country, keep us safe, run it like a business, and make America great again.”