Jelly Roll clarifies political stance and pledges to vote in midterms
The Grammy-winning singer discussed his political views on a late-night show, dismissed criticism over a Trump joke, and said he will vote in the upcoming midterm elections.
Grammy-winning country singer Jelly Roll used his guest-hosting spot on a late-night talk show to address recent criticism of jokes he made about President Donald Trump. He said the jokes were his own words and not scripted by the show’s writers, and noted that reactions ranged from labeling him a MAGA supporter to calling him a liberal.
The artist highlighted that his attendance at a White House-hosted UFC event did not constitute a political endorsement, adding that he “leans left on some things” but considers himself “pretty down the middle,” describing himself as a Christian, farmer and bow hunter.
He recalled a moment at the Grammy Awards when he declined to answer a political question, saying he “fumbled” his words and feared any response would be taken as a partisan statement.
While he did not disclose how he will vote in the upcoming midterm elections, Jelly Roll said he intends to cast a ballot now that his voting rights were restored after felony convictions were cleared earlier this year. He emphasized that “human dignity isn’t Republican nor Democrat” and that compassion and mercy transcend party lines.
"Human dignity isn’t Republican nor Democrat," he said. "Compassion isn’t left-wing, and mercy isn’t right-wing."