California Governor Gavin Newsom has publicly criticized musician Kid Rock, referencing a recent cancellation of a leg of his ‘Rock The Country’ festival and a 2026 social media post where Newsom declared Kid rock “banned” from California and “banned in more places.” This follows news that one leg of Kid rock’s ‘rock The Country’ festival was cancelled after Shinedown pulled out to avoid “creating further division.”
KID ROCK IS BANNED FROM CALIFORNIA.AND NOW HE IS BEING BANNED IN MORE PLACES. TERRIBLE MUSIC. WHY IS HE SO ANGRY?
– Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 7, 2026
Newsom’s original statement, made on February 7, 2026, included the assessment that Kid Rock’s music is “TERRIBLE” and questioned why he is “SO ANGRY.”
Kid Rock has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump since 2016 and performed at Trump’s second inauguration in January 2025 as reported by NME.
The controversy unfolds as Kid Rock plans an “All-Star American Halftime Show” directly opposite Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance, with many supporters of the MAGA movement intending to watch Kid Rock’s show instead according to NME.
The Super Bowl LIX entertainment lineup also includes Charlie puth singing the national anthem and Brandi Carlile performing “America The Lovely.” Bad Bunny has promised a performance that will make “the world dance”,and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has defended the selection of Bad Bunny as a “carefully thought through” decision.