California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared Kid Rock unwelcome in the state following the rapper’s appearance in a workout video alongside Robert F. Kennedy Jr., sparking a new round of political sparring. Newsom’s official social media account posted a statement Saturday declaring a “ban” on Kid Rock, citing the video as “inappropriate, creepy, and very low energy.”
The video, originally shared by Kennedy on Tuesday, depicts the pair performing exercises, including push-ups and using gym equipment, and relaxing in a hot tub and sauna. A portion of the clip shows Kennedy on a stationary bike in a sauna while Kid Rock performs push-ups, which Newsom specifically criticized as “the weakest pushups ever witnessed.” The pair also shared a glass of milk in the hot tub, and Kennedy was seen working out in jeans.
“I AM ALSO BANNING WORKING OUT IN JEANS, VERY STRANGE!” Newsom’s post continued. The governor himself faced scrutiny in 2021 when a photograph surfaced of him exercising while wearing jeans, during a campaign promoting physical fitness.
This is not the first public exchange between Newsom and Kid Rock. In August, Newsom’s account shared an image of Kid Rock styled as Uncle Sam with the caption, “Kid Rock wants you to support Gavin Newsom,” a satirical jab at attempts by former President Donald Trump to solicit endorsements from celebrities. Kid Rock responded with a vulgar retort, expressing his opposition to Newsom.
The latest incident comes as Kid Rock has faced recent setbacks, including the failure of his “All-American Halftime Show,” intended as an alternative to the Super Bowl halftime performance, and the cancellation of a date on his “Rock the Country” music festival tour due to artist withdrawals.
Newsom recently participated in the Munich Security Conference, where he asserted that Trump’s presidency is a temporary phenomenon and emphasized European unity against the current U.S. Administration. He is frequently mentioned as a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
The governor’s office has not clarified the legal mechanism of the “ban,” and it remains unclear whether any formal action will be taken to prevent Kid Rock from entering California. As of Saturday evening, neither Kid Rock nor Kennedy had publicly responded to Newsom’s statement.
