Musician Jelly Roll is addressing criticism following his recent encounter with President-elect Donald Trump. The country singer was seen shaking hands and smiling with Trump during UFC 309 in New York on Nov. 16, 2024.
The interaction sparked mixed reactions, prompting Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie XO, to clarify the situation on her podcast, “Dumb Blonde.”
Jelly Roll explains his stance
Bunnie XO defended the encounter, calling it a significant moment regardless of political preference.
“The president is like, the highest honor that you can have in the world,” Bunnie XO said. “When you meet a president, that’s a [bleeped] honor, no matter if you like them or not.”
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Jelly Roll agreed, emphasizing his upbringing in a household that respected the presidency but didn’t focus on politics or voting culture.
“There’s not a chance in hell I’m not going to meet the President-elect,” he said.
He added that he would have done the same for President Joe Biden if given the opportunity. The musician also noted that he avoids discussing politics because he doesn’t feel informed enough on the subject.
However, he recently found interest while listening to a podcast featuring Vivek Ramaswamy, particularly regarding drug policy reform. It was his first time hearing about Ramaswamy, and the discussion piqued his interest.
Advocating for change on Capitol Hill
Earlier this year, Jelly Roll testified on Capitol Hill about the ongoing fentanyl crisis, sharing his personal experiences with addiction and incarceration for drug possession. His testimony highlighted his commitment to addressing the crisis, which he views as a crucial issue.
In a November 2024 interview with People, Jelly Roll revealed that the birth of his daughter while he was behind bars marked a turning point in his life.
“I’m rounding third on my amends list, and I think when I get there, I’ll feel a little better,” he said.
As for the backlash surrounding his interaction with Trump, Jelly Roll said the experience was “cool” and made it clear he’s unfazed by the criticism.
