Quick Read
- California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office issued a satirical social media ‘ban’ on Kid Rock.
- The ‘ban’ followed a widely mocked shirtless workout video featuring Kid Rock and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- Newsom’s post mimicked Donald Trump’s social media style and criticized the video as ‘creepy’ and ‘low energy’.
- Public reactions varied, with some recognizing the satire and others taking the ‘ban’ literally.
- Newsom has a history of using social media for political trolling, often targeting conservative figures.
SACRAMENTO (Azat TV) – California Governor Gavin Newsom’s official press account declared a satirical “ban” on musician Kid Rock from entering the Golden State over the weekend, following the widespread mockery of a shirtless workout video featuring the rap-rock country singer and prominent political figure Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The social media post, mimicking the style of former President Donald Trump, ignited immediate debate regarding political satire, celebrity culture, and the boundaries of online communication.
The declaration, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by the Governor Newsom Press Office, stated, “I HAVE SEEN ENOUGH. AS GOVERNOR OF THE FREE WORLD, I, GAVIN C. NEWSOM, AM OFFICIALLY BANNING ‘KID ROCK’ FROM CALIFORNIA. HIS SHIRTLESS VIDEO WITH ‘SECRETARY BRAINWORM’ WAS INAPPROPRIATE, CREEPY, AND VERY LOW ENERGY. NOT WHAT YOU WANT AROUND OUR CHILDREN!” Newsom’s post continued, criticizing Kid Rock’s “weakest pushups ever witnessed” and adding a ban on “working out in jeans,” a jab at the attire worn in the viral clip, as reported by *The Daily Beast* and *PennLive*.
The Viral Workout Video Ignites Controversy
The incident that triggered Newsom’s playful prohibition was a “rock out workout” video shared by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. last Tuesday. The clip depicted both Kennedy and Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, engaging in various fitness activities set to Rock’s 1999 hit, “Bawitdaba.” The video featured the duo stripping down, utilizing gym equipment, taking ice baths while still wearing jeans, and even drinking milk in a hot tub. One particular scene showed Kennedy on a stationary exercise bike in a sauna, with Kid Rock performing what were widely described as “crooked-looking pushups” behind him.
The video quickly became a sensation, drawing widespread ridicule from across the political spectrum. Comedian Stephen Colbert famously branded it “senior softcore,” while Fox News hosts on *The Five* expressed visible discomfort. The unusual antics and attire in the video provided ample fodder for online commentary, setting the stage for Governor Newsom’s intervention.
Newsom’s History of Political Trolling and Satire
Governor Newsom’s “ban” on Kid Rock is consistent with his established pattern of using social media for political trolling, often targeting figures associated with the MAGA movement and former President Trump. Throughout the previous year, Newsom engaged in a series of online exchanges with Trump and his allies, frequently employing a similar bombastic, all-caps style reminiscent of Trump’s Truth Social posts. This tactic allows Newsom to engage with conservative figures on their own terms, often turning their rhetoric against them or highlighting perceived absurdities.
For instance, last August, Newsom’s press account shared an image of Kid Rock as Uncle Sam, humorously captioned, “Kid Rock wants you to support Gavin Newsom,” satirizing Trump’s unauthorized use of Taylor Swift’s image. Kid Rock responded angrily at the time, indicating his distaste for Newsom’s provocations. Newsom’s latest post, while clearly satirical to many, still prompted a range of reactions, from those who appreciated the humor to others who mistakenly interpreted it as a genuine, unconstitutional prohibition.
Public Reaction and Political Implications
The public response to Newsom’s post was diverse. Many social media users immediately recognized the governor’s intent to mock and engage in political theater. However, a significant number of commenters took the “ban” literally, criticizing Newsom for what they perceived as an unconstitutional overreach of power. Replies ranged from accusations of tyranny to threats of legal action, demonstrating a common challenge in the digital age: discerning satire from genuine policy announcements, particularly when delivered by official accounts.
The incident also comes at a time when Kid Rock has faced several public embarrassments, including the failure of his “All-American Halftime Show” and concert cancellations due to artist withdrawals. Meanwhile, Governor Newsom has been increasingly visible on the national and international stage, appearing at events like the Munich Security Conference and frequently cited as a potential top Democratic contender for the 2028 presidential race. His continued engagement in high-profile political sparring, even through humor, keeps him in the public eye and reinforces his image as a vocal critic of conservative pop culture figures.
Governor Newsom’s use of social media to ‘ban’ Kid Rock underscores a growing trend in contemporary politics where digital platforms are leveraged not just for policy communication, but for performative satire aimed at shaping narratives and engaging a polarized electorate. This tactic, while generating buzz and reinforcing Newsom’s brand, also highlights the potential for misinterpretation in a fragmented media landscape, where the line between serious political discourse and comedic trolling can blur.