Tom Morello is rarely subtle when it comes to his political convictions. However, after viewing a viral clip of Kid Rock performing for a strikingly sparse audience on the Turning Point USA stage, the Rage Against the Machine guitarist pivoted to a rare and biting display of sarcasm.
On Wednesday, Morello took to X (formerly Twitter) to repost a video featuring the country-rap star performing for the conservative organization’s “All-American Halftime Show.” The event was marketed as a direct alternative to the Super Bowl’s official halftime spectacle headlined by Bad Bunny. In the footage, Kid Rock is seen rapping for a small group of onlookers; at one point, he gestures for the crowd to wave their arms, only to be met with near-total apathy.
“America is finally great again,” Morello wrote sardonically, invoking a sharp twist on Donald Trump’s iconic campaign slogan. “Thank you.”
While representatives for Kid Rock and Turning Point USA have not issued formal responses to the mockery, the “Bawitdaba” singer had already attempted to get ahead of the narrative. Prior to Morello’s post, Kid Rock confirmed that the showcase was a pre-recorded segment rather than a live broadcast. He also used his social media platforms to aggressively debunk rumors that he was lip-syncing during the set.
“If I was ever going to lip-sync, which I wouldn’t, [‘Bawitdaba’] would be the last song I’d ever do it to,” he stated in a video message, punctuated by a middle finger directed at his “haters” and “the fake news media.” He dismissed the online criticism as the work of “crazy libt—ds” attempting to amplify a non-issue.
Beyond his jab at Kid Rock, Morello spent the week championing Bad Bunny’s historic Super Bowl performance while amplifying other artists who found the TPUSA alternative distasteful. Among his shares was a scathing critique from country star Zach Bryan, who described the counter-programming as “embarrassing” and “the most cringe s–t on the planet,” regardless of one’s political affiliation.
Morello’s activism wasn’t limited to the digital space. While attending the Super Bowl at Levi’s Stadium, he used his presence to unfurl an “ICE Out” banner, protesting recent immigration enforcement actions. This demonstration follows his recent benefit concert in Minneapolis, organized in solidarity with the community following a controversial shooting involving ICE agents in January.
