Just days after Jelly Roll avoided talking about the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by calling himself a ‘dumb redneck,’ pictures resurfaced of the singer cozying up to Kristi Noem.
The 41-year-old, who faced backlash over his overtly religious acceptance speech at the 2026 Grammys, told a Rolling Stone reporter on the red carpet that people shouldn’t care about his thoughts when he was asked about the state of the country.
‘People shouldn’t care to hear my opinion, man. I’m a dumb redneck. I haven’t watched enough,’ the country singer, who won three Grammy Awards on Sunday, said.
‘I didn’t have a phone for 18 months. I’ve had one for four months and don’t have social media,’ he continued. ‘I hate to be the artist that’s that aloof, I’m just so disconnected from what’s happening.’
However, a post dated from August 2024 shared by United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, may have revealed more about his political ties than he intended.
In a series of snaps, which resurfaced on X (formerly Twitter) this week, the singer, whose real name is Jason DeFord, is seen looking cozy with Noem, who has recently faced criticism for her immigration enforcement strategy.
The carousel of snaps show the singer – and his posse – getting off a private plane in South Dakota before greeting Noem with a large embrace and posing on the tarmac.
‘Jelly Roll makes incredible music — but his heart is even more incredible,’ Noem captioned her original post.
Jelly Roll told a Rolling Stone reporter on the red carpet at the Grammys on Sunday that people shouldn’t care about his thoughts when he was asked about the state of the country, calling himself a ‘dumb redneck’
A post dated from August 2024 shared by United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, may have revealed more about his political ties than he intended
‘He has overcome so much in his life (I won’t recount it all here, but you should read about his story), and he pours that journey out in his music.’
She continued: ‘I am proud to call this man my friend. I welcomed him to South Dakota and got to hear him play his first ever concert at the Sturgis Buffalo Chip!’
Disappointed fans took to social media to share their thoughts on Jelly Roll and Noem’s apparent friendship after the images resurfaced.
‘Declining to answer is always a bit of an answer isn’t it,’ wrote one, referencing his red carpet response.
‘Up on the stage claiming that no political party “owns” Jesus yet he’s schmoozing with the political party who claim to own Christ when they use his name to do heinous things. Absolutely repulsive,’ declared another.
Someone else wrote: ‘”I’m not political” is always “I’m right wing but don’t want to admit it.”‘
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives of Jelly Roll for comment.
Many fans called out the country crooner for his divisive speech on Sunday, after winning the award for Best Contemporary Country Album.
In a series of snaps, which resurfaced on X (formerly Twitter) this week, the singer is seen looking cozy with Noem, who has recently faced criticism for her immigration enforcement strategy
The carousel of snaps show the singer – and his posse – getting off a private plane in South Dakota before greeting Noem with a large embrace and posing on the tarmac
‘Jelly Roll makes incredible music — but his heart is even more incredible,’ Noem captioned her original post
Jelly Roll spent much of his emotional speech talking about Jesus and how Christianity, like music, ‘changed [his] life.’
He added to the faith-fueled moment by holding up a small bible for the crowd to see.
‘I believe that music had the power to change my life, and God had the power to change my life,’ he told the crowd of A-listers with his shiny gold Grammy in hand.
‘I want to tell y’all right now: Jesus is for everybody, Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by no… label. Jesus is Jesus.’
Some noticed the singer did not comment on ICE, with many other celebrities taking the opportunity to share their thoughts.
The iconic singer–songwriter Joni Mitchell was one of the most high-profile figures speaking out against he controversial agency, which operates under the Department of Homeland Security.
Also making a statement – both on the red carpet and on stage – were stars including Kehlani, Jason Isbell, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Rhiannon Giddens, country singer–songwriter Margo Price and more.
There have been heightened tensions across America with an increased ICE presence across the country, particularly following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis, which came two weeks after 37-year-old Renee Good was fatally shot in her car by an ICE officer.
Their deaths have sparked widespread protests, with some in the Trump administration accusing local officials of not doing enough to support federal law enforcement and even heightening tensions.
Noem has deflected the blame for Good and Pretti’s deaths, saying Democratic leaders have not complying with federal immigration enforcement operations. But a new Daily Mail poll conducted by JL Partners shows 53 percent of Americans blame Trump and DHS for the proliferation of violence in Minnesota.
