When Child Rock takes the stage Sunday at Donald Trump’s Make America Nice Once more Rally in Washington, DC, he’ll additionally mark practically a decade of friendship with the president-elect.
The information that Rock — born Robert James Ritchie — can be performing on the live performance on the eve of Trump’s inauguration was not shocking. The “Cowboy” musician, 54, has been certainly one of Trump’s most effusive and at instances rabid supporters because the actuality TV star-turned-politician gained the presidential election in 2016.
Earlier than the Republican primaries had even kicked off that 12 months, Rock voiced his assist for the previous “Apprentice” host, 78.
“I’m digging Donald Trump,” he advised Rolling Stone on the time. “My feeling: Let the business guy run it like a business. And his campaign has been entertaining as s–t.”
Nonetheless, the pair wouldn’t meet in individual till April 2017 after Trump’s electoral victory. And it was all because of Sarah Palin, 60, who introduced Rock together with one other conservative entertainer, Ted Nugent, 76, on a visit to the White Home.
“President Trump’s invitation for dinner included bringing a couple of friends. Asked why I invited Kid Rock and Ted Nugent, I joked, ‘Because Jesus was booked,’” Palin wrote in a submit on her web site after the go to, per the New York Occasions.
“We ended up becoming buddies,” Child Rock mentioned of their assembly whereas talking with Tucker Carlson on “Tucker Carlson Tonight” in 2022. “[We] spend a lot of time [together] at the golf course now. It’s really weird to get phone calls from him and stuff. It’s kind of mind-blowing.”
Rock additionally advised Carlson that Trump had requested him for recommendation on international coverage throughout his time within the White Home.
Their friendship continued after Trump left 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. They attended UFC fights collectively in each 2023 and 2024.
Rock has carried out at a number of Trump occasions since they turned buddies, together with the Republican Nationwide Conference this previous July.
In his nomination acceptance speech, Trump mentioned the “Bawitdaba” musician referred to as him and requested him if he might be part of the conference.
“He became a friend of mine over the last ten years, and he’s amazing,” Trump advised the gang. “Everyone loves him. I didn’t even know how big he was.”
When the Detroit rocker launched the president-elect on the Nationwide Guard Affiliation of the US’ 146th Normal Convention on Aug. 26, Trump revealed that he calls Rock “Bob.”
“He’s a great guy and a talented one and it’s an honor to be with all of you incredible patriots,” he mentioned.
In Could, Rock advised Rolling Stone that he was pleased with his relationship with Trump, who he mentioned usually calls him to talk.
“[He’s] one of my besties,” Rock added.
