Jelly Roll explains political beliefs after Trump roasts: I’m ‘down the middle’

Country music star Jelly Roll defended his political beliefs during his final hosting appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Thursday night, responding to widespread criticism from President Trump supporters.

“Just because I watched a fight on TV doesn’t mean I support everything this administration does,” Jelly Roll said in his opening monologue, referring to 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.”

“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 continued.

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, made jokes throughout the week about Trump, causing many of his supporters to label the artist a “traitor.”

Since his music career has taken off, Jelly Roll admitted he’s strayed away from making political statements. But the singer has been an advocate for fentanyl awareness in the U.S. and testified on Capitol Hill last year in favor of legislation combatting the fentanyl crisis.

“These people [drug users] crave reassurance that their elected officials actually care more about human life than they do about ideology and partisanship,” he said in his speech on Capitol Hill, thrusting himself into the political spotlight.

The rapper-turned-country singer, who recently lost about 300 pounds, poked fun at Trump’s weight on Monday. Jelly Roll compared his weight loss to “an entire Donald Trump,” and said “let’s be honest, based on his approval ratings, it seems like most of the country wants to do the same thing.”

“From one fat pig to another, take it from me that physical fitness is very important. Trust me, you’ll be happy to see your penis again,” he continued.

Trump supporters weren’t the only ones to gang up on the country star, as GOP Rep. Jimmy Patronis (Fla.) said Jelly Roll was no longer welcome in his Florida Panhandle district.

“I don’t even want to see his bus on I-10,” Patronis wrote Wednesday on the social platform X . “He’s always been the token ‘country’ star the libs in California are allowed to enjoy (He ain’t country, never was.).”

Patronis went on to say the singer suffered from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”

Jelly Roll initially responded to Patronis and Trump supporters Tuesday night, joking that he never thought he would get in more trouble than Rosie O’Donnell — who consistently feuds with Trump.

But the artist’s Thursday night monologue expanded beyond his political wisecracks from earlier in the week, adopting a more serious tone and discussing his beliefs.

The country music star said that, while he is normally quiet about his political affiliation, he now believes it’s time to make a change.

“I spent my entire career trying not to belong to a political party. Partly because until March of this year, I wasn’t even allowed to vote,” he said, in reference to his now-pardoned felony conviction. “But now that I have that right, it’s one I plan to exercise this coming November.”

He was pardoned by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) in December 2025 after he was convicted of a 2005 robbery, possession with intent to sell cocaine and breaking parole. He was released from prison in 2016.

“I’m going to try and do the right thing right now because human dignity isn’t Republican nor Democrat,” Jelly Roll continued, appearing to choke up while addressing Kimmel viewers.

Near the conclusion of his monologue, the artist took one last jab at both Republicans and Democrats, saying that “our leaders on both sides of the aisle are doing an absolute s‑‑‑ job of trying to bring us together.”