Kid Rock told Fox & Friends hosts on Friday that he recently dined at the White House with President Donald Trump, comedian Bill Maher, and ESPN host Stephen A. Smith. The musician stated that the four men agreed socialism and communism have no place in the United States government. He specifically noted that Democratic Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is promoting socialist ideas during the campaign.
When asked about the atmosphere of the meal, Kid Rock described the conversation as epic. He emphasized the rarity of two Democrats and two Republicans sitting down to have tough conversations and share laughs. The group discussed a range of topics, including the war in Iran and the treatment of interpreters from Afghanistan who assisted U.S. efforts. Smith focused on unemployment among Black women and the funding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, or HBCUs.
Kid Rock said the group reminded Trump that the administration funded $174 million for historically Black universities and colleges in 2016. Smith raised concerns that Trump's opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives might scare off corporate funding for these institutions. In response, Kid Rock claimed to be speaking for the president and administration, stating that they support and want to encourage corporations to continue donating to HBCUs to strengthen Black families.
Maher previously disclosed on his Club Random podcast that he planned to meet with the president again after a prior dinner in 2025. Maher said Trump invited him for another meal out of the blue and promised not to criticize him as he had in the past. Maher responded by telling Trump he could say whatever he wanted because he was the president of the United States. Maher compared the interaction to being called a hockey puck by comedian Don Rickles, noting it was simply how Trump talked.
Kid Rock also promoted his new album, Halfway 2 Jesus, on Fox News channel's Outnumbered program. The record features collaborations with Eminem and Lil Wayne, among others. Kid Rock explained that Lil Wayne joined the project at the last minute after he and Eminem decided a different song was more powerful than another track they had recorded. The album includes other guests such as Gary LaVox and Jimmy Allen.
The musician said the project brings together people from various backgrounds, religions, and political beliefs. He stated that promoting this record is important to him because it conveys the message of Jesus Christ. Kid Rock noted that he has not promoted many records in the last 10 or 15 years but found this specific work to be very important.