Kid Rock hasn’t made an official announcement that he is running for the Senate, but the singer delivered an expletive-laden political speech in Detroit at his concert Tuesday evening — tearing into “deadbeat dads,” the welfare system and white supremacy.
The musician, who has been an outspoken supporter of President Donald Trump, has been dropping hints at a possible career in politics since the summer, when he launched a “Kid Rock for Senate” website.
At Tuesday’s concert, the announcer welcomed Kid Rock to the stage as “the next senator of the great state of Michigan,” though he downplayed the introduction. If Kid Rock, whose real named is Robert Ritchie, did decide to run for the Senate, he would go up against Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow, who will be seeking a fourth term next year.
The concert attracted protesters, who criticized Kid Rock’s use of the Confederate flag during his performances and his disapproval of NFL players that don’t stand for the national anthem. They were countered by Kid Rock’s fans displaying the controversial flag at the arena.
Read his full speech below.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Why Trump’s Message Worked on Latino Men
- What Trump’s Win Could Mean for Housing
- The 100 Must-Read Books of 2024
- Sleep Doctors Share the 1 Tip That’s Changed Their Lives
- Column: Let’s Bring Back Romance
- What It’s Like to Have Long COVID As a Kid
- FX’s Say Nothing Is the Must-Watch Political Thriller of 2024
- Merle Bombardieri Is Helping People Make the Baby Decision
Contact us at letters@time.com