Country music artist Jelly Roll used his final appearance as guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to push back against critics who accused him of turning against President Trump, insisting he is not aligned with any political camp.
In his opening monologue Thursday night, the singer—born Jason DeFord—addressed the uproar over his earlier jokes about the president. “Just because I watched a fight on TV doesn’t mean I support everything this administration does,” he said, referencing the White House’s UFC Freedom 250 event. “Just like hosting Jimmy Kimmel’s show doesn’t mean I have all of Jimmy’s politics.”
DeFord, who has been candid about his past felony conviction and recent weight loss, described his political outlook as moderate. “Sure, I lean left on some things, but like most folks, I’m pretty down the middle. I am a Christian. I am a country music singer. I’m a farmer. I’m a bow hunter,” he said.
The backlash began after DeFord made headlines for comparing his 300-pound weight loss to “an entire Donald Trump” and joking that most Americans would like to shed the president based on his approval ratings. The comments drew sharp rebukes from Trump supporters, including Florida GOP Rep. Jimmy Patronis, who declared on X that DeFord was no longer welcome in his district and dismissed him as “the token ‘country’ star the libs in California are allowed to enjoy.”
DeFord initially responded with humor, quipping that he never expected to draw more ire than Rosie O’Donnell. But his Thursday monologue took a more serious turn as he reflected on his political awakening. He noted that until March, he was barred from voting due to his felony record—a right restored by a pardon from Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee in December 2025. “I spent my entire career trying not to belong to a political party,” he said. “But now that I have that right, it’s one I plan to exercise this coming November.”
The singer, who has become a prominent advocate for fentanyl awareness and testified before Congress last year, grew emotional as he stressed the importance of human dignity over partisanship. “I’m going to try and do the right thing right now because human dignity isn’t Republican nor Democrat,” he said.
DeFord closed his monologue with a swipe at both parties, arguing that “our leaders on both sides of the aisle are doing an absolute sh-t job of trying to bring us together.” His remarks come amid a broader national debate over political decorum, a topic that has gained attention in recent months. As he prepares to cast his first vote, DeFord’s stance reflects a growing sentiment among voters who feel alienated by partisan divisions.
