Everything Music. Everything News. Everything live.

Kid Rock Pays President Trump a Visit to Discuss Ticket Pricing

Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Chad J. McNeeley, U.S. Navy, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

President Trump invited Kid Rock to the Oval Office to sign an executive order that he says will help curb ticket scalping and unfair pricing. This significant gesture aims to address the long-standing issues faced by ticket buyers who often encounter inflated prices due to middlemen and automated bots snapping up the best seats. Accompanied by Kid Rock, noted for his American flag motif outfit and fedora, President Trump emphasized the impact of ticket scalping on concert-goers and the entertainment industry. This order directs the Attorney General and Treasury Secretary to ensure compliance with IRS rules against reselling tickets at exorbitant prices. Similarly, the Federal Trade Commission has been instructed to enforce price transparency throughout the ticket-purchasing process, aiming to prevent deceptive practices in the secondary ticket market.

This executive action is a continuation of Trump's promise to bring “commonsense” changes to ticket sales. It follows past efforts by the Biden administration to tackle “junk fees” that add hidden costs during transactions. Notably, the Justice Department, under Biden, pursued a substantial lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation Entertainment, accusing them of monopolizing live event prices. This action was intended to foster fair competition and prevent excessive costs being passed on to consumers. The latest order is seen as a step towards restoring equilibrium in a market where ticket resales have often benefitted scalpers rather than artists or fans.

Kid Rock, a long-time supporter of Trump, also known as Robert James Ritchie, celebrated the move as a “great first step.” During the event, he highlighted the adverse effects of scalping on artists who do not benefit from resale surpluses. Despite recognizing the capitalist nature of ticket sales, Kid Rock expressed a desire to see further reforms, potentially including caps on resale prices, to make concerts accessible to more fans. He shared Trump's concern that tickets, initially priced at a reasonable amount, end up with escalated fees that surprise and frustrate buyers. Both Trump and Kid Rock agree that the influence of bots and re-sellers often drives costs up by 400-500%, creating an uneven playing field for average concert-goers.

Further emphasizing the economic stakes, the White House pointed out that the live concert industry significantly contributes to the U.S. economy, with a $132.6 billion impact that supports nearly a million jobs. However, this industry has been marred by “unscrupulous middlemen,” according to a White House fact sheet, leading to consumer grievances without any additional benefit to performers. The executive order calls for reports and recommendations that will continue to address unfair practices in the live entertainment industry over the coming months.

 

Key Takeaways

Related Stories

Rush 2026 Tour Dates: 11 New Dates Added Due To Demand

Rush is bolstering its highly anticipated Fifty Something reunion tour by adding 11 new shows. The expansion responds to intense…

Dolly Parton’s Health: What We Know So Far Following Her Sister’s Alarming Statement

Country music legend Dolly Parton is facing renewed public concern following announcements that she is postponing major performances due to…

ChatGPT and Spotify Team Up for Music Recommendations, But Should We Be Excited or Worried?

Introduction ChatGPT and Spotify have announced a new partnership that lets users request personalized music and podcast recommendations directly through…

Foo Fighters Surprise Fans with Live EP “Are Playing Where??? Vol. 1”

The Foo Fighters have dropped a surprise new live EP titled Are Playing Where??? Vol. 1, capturing the raw energy…

The Who, John Fogerty, Def Leppard, Cheap Trick & more rock backyard benefit for Teen Cancer America

Rock legends The Who returned to the stage for an unforgettable night in Los Angeles, hosting their 10th annual Backyard…

Neil Peart and Geddy Lee of Rush Rush in concert, Austin, Texas - 16 May 2015

Rush Announces Long-Awaited Return to the Road with 2026 “Fifty Something” Tour

Legendary Canadian progressive rock band Rush is officially hitting the road again. After more than a decade since their last…

The Who’s Final North American Performance: Setlist, Moments, and an Emotional Farewell

  Quick takeaways The Who closed their North American Farewell Tour—“The Song Is Over”—on October 1, 2025, at Acrisure Arena…

MAX WEINBERG ( Drums) and BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN and the E Street Band perform onstage during the opening night of The Land of Hope and Dreams Tour at Co-op Live Arena on May 14, 2025, in Manchester, England. The 2025 tour is SPRINGSTEEN's first major European run since 2023 and features classic hits alongside material from his recent albums. The show took place at the UK's newest and largest indoor arena. Bruce Springsteen Opens The Land Of Hope And Dreams Tour In Manchester, United Kingdom - 14 May 2025

Bruce Springsteen Stuns NYFF With Acoustic “Land of Hope and Dreams”

Bruce Springsteen made a surprise appearance at the 63rd New York Film Festival in New York City on September 28,…

REO Speedwagon Reunites: Rock Legends Come Together Once More

In late September 2025, fans got a shock — and a thrill — when REO Speedwagon reunited onstage for the…