Kid Rock reveals what he told French President Macron after Trump unexpectedly handed him phone on golf course
Musician Kid Rock said President Donald Trump handed him a phone during a golf outing, leaving him to speak briefly with French President Emmanuel Macron. The story drew laughter from comedian Bill Maher and his guests, and has prompted political criticism over how Maher responded to Trump’s informal handling of the call.
Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, said Trump had been taking calls while golfing and introduced him to Macron as “the great Kid Rock”. He greeted Macron as “Mr President” and joked that he was from “the Paris of the Midwest: Detroit”, before asking what Macron had been up to. The anecdote was shared on Maher’s HBO programme after Maher’s second dinner with Trump; Democratic strategist Kaivon Shroff criticised Maher’s reaction as inconsistent with how he might respond to a Democratic president.
In short
- Trump passed a call with Macron to Kid Rock during golf.
- Kid Rock joked about Detroit being the Midwest’s Paris.
- A Democratic strategist criticised Maher’s amused reaction.
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The case for
Maher’s light-hearted response can be seen as treating an awkward but apparently brief and harmless exchange as an amusing anecdote, rather than turning every presidential interaction into a partisan confrontation. Supporters of this approach may value informal rapport and believe the episode, as described, does not by itself show that Macron or the presidency was treated with disrespect.
The case against
Critics may argue that a president’s handling of an international call carries diplomatic significance, even when the exchange is casual, and deserves scrutiny rather than reflexive laughter. They may also see Maher’s reaction as evidence of unequal standards: a similar episode involving a Democratic president might have drawn a more critical response.
Explained simply
Donald Trump is the president of the United States, and Emmanuel Macron is the president of France. Their countries work together on issues including trade and security, so contact between the two leaders can attract public attention.
Kid Rock is the stage name of American musician Robert Ritchie, who has publicly supported Trump. Bill Maher is a comedian and television host whose programme often discusses politics with guests from different viewpoints.
Maher’s meetings with Trump have drawn debate about how comedians and commentators engage with political leaders. The discussion around this story includes criticism from Democratic strategist Kaivon Shroff of Maher’s reaction to the anecdote.
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