Ted Nugent Praises “Real McCoy” Yungblud and “Idiot” Jack White While Criticizing Green Day and Tom Morello

Bold opinions and contrasting views collide as Ted Nugent weighs in on music and politics, praising Yungblud and Jack White’s artistry while slamming Green Day and Tom Morello’s political stances.

When Rock Meets Politics: Nugent’s Candid Take

It’s always a wild ride when Ted Nugent opens his mouth—especially when he blends his fiery rock credentials with his equally fiery political views. Recently, Nugent, the outspoken Michigan rocker and activist, didn’t hold back in a new video titled “Let’s Talk Music” posted on New Year’s Day. He served up some sharp praise for Yungblud and Jack White but went on to slam Green Day and his longtime “good friend” Tom Morello over their political beliefs.

Ted Nugent performing live.

For those who have followed Nugent’s outspoken career, his staunch support for former President Donald Trump and his pro-gun stance are no surprises. But what’s fascinating here is how he mixes admiration for musical talent with harsh political critiques, especially against artists who have long been associated with progressive causes.

Jack White’s Halftime Show: Real Rock ‘n’ Roll, But Political "Idiocy"

Nugent’s video kicked off by applauding Jack White’s performance during the Detroit Lions’ Thanksgiving Day halftime show—a set that even featured the legendary Eminem. Detroit roots run deep for all three artists, and Nugent gave White kudos for delivering “real rock ‘n’ roll,” calling the former White Stripes frontman’s set “great,” though not perfect, rating him a “four or five” out of ten.

Then, things took a turn. Nugent called both White and Eminem “total idiots” for their political views. In his words:

“They don’t want their country to have secure borders. They think men should destroy women’s sports. Well, that’s not… that’s exactly what they stand for.”

He went on to elaborate his political beef, accusing them of wanting to “invite jihadists in who announce they want to kill the infidels,” and criticized their opposition to former President Trump, painting their stance as harmful to women’s rights and American security.

But, in a twist of grudging respect, Nugent still admitted, “But their music is soulful.”

This complex mix of admiration and scorn tells you a lot about Nugent’s fiercely independent and opinionated style.

Eminem and Jack White: Vocal Critiques of Trump

The political tension is no secret. Eminem has never minced words about Trump, famously calling him a “fucking turd” back in 2018 and accusing him of brainwashing his supporters. Jack White also threw shade, criticizing the Trump White House’s “vulgar, gaudy” redesign—an attack that earned him a fiery retort from the White House Communications Director, who labeled White a “washed-up, has-been loser.”

White’s disdain didn’t stop there. After Trump’s return to office in late 2024, White slammed him as a “wannabe dictator,” expressing disbelief that “this con man succeeded in pulling the wool over so many Americans’ eyes not once, but twice.” It’s clear the Detroit guitar titan isn’t holding back.

Green Day and Tom Morello: Talent Recognized, Politics Rebuked

Nugent’s video didn’t spare Green Day or Tom Morello either. While admitting “there’s not a brain amongst” the members of Green Day, he still gave credit for their musical prowess. Likewise, he called Morello’s guitar work “really, really killer stuff.”

Yet, politically, Nugent was scathing.

“Come on, Tom – you’re not raging against the machine, you are the machine.”

His criticism centers on what he sees as their rejection of secure borders and, by extension, their rejection of America itself. Nugent accused them of wanting success in the U.S. but denying others the chance to have the same.

He even extended an olive branch of sorts, inviting Morello to appear on his show to make his case, dryly wishing him “good luck.”

Green Day released their 14th album ‘Saviors’. Photo credit: Alice Baxley.

Morello, for his part, defended his friendship with Nugent in the past, saying that although Ted has become a “right-wing caricature,” there have been moments of surprising common ground between them. He called Nugent “crazy uncle Ted who says all sorts of shit,” underscoring the complicated relationship between two very different musicians.

Yungblud: The “Real McCoy” Bringing Raw Energy Back

If Nugent has a champion among today’s younger generation, it’s Yungblud. In the same video, he called the British rocker the “real McCoy," a nod to Yungblud’s authentic and raw rock spirit. Nugent highlighted Yungblud’s collaboration with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and Joe Perry as a symbol of rock’s enduring fire.

“It gives you hope that the really piss and vinegar, the James Brown, the original Chuck Berry, Little Richard is alive and well, and this kid called Yungblud.”

Yungblud has certainly been making waves, teaming up with iconic acts and carving out his own unique space in rock music that channels the rebellious spirit of the greats.

Staying True to His Roots: Nugent’s Political Battles

Ted Nugent’s politics have often landed him in hot water. In 2024, he and his son Rocco released a song called “Who Shot Trump,” addressing the controversial attempted assassination of the former president. Just a year earlier, he publicly condemned the cancellation of his Alabama gig, blaming “liars and haters” unhappy with his conservative views.

Meanwhile, Green Day continues to use their platform to vocalize their opposition to Trump and conservative policies. Last autumn, they took another jab at the former President during a U.S. performance, having previously led chants of “Fuck Donald Trump” on Independence Day 2025 and warning about slipping “into fascism” at last year’s Download Festival.

Billie Joe Armstrong’s call to action summed up their stance: “Ladies and gentlemen, we are slipping into fascism… it’s up to us to fight back!”

The Ever-Polarizing Intersection of Music and Politics

In a landscape where music and politics increasingly intermingle, it’s no wonder figures like Ted Nugent spark fiery debates. His mix of praise and condemnation, delivered with trademark candor, shows how the rock world remains a battleground of ideas as much as talent.

Nugent’s respect for the musical craftsmanship of Jack White and Green Day is clear, but his disdain for their political messages is equally loud. At the same time, his endorsement of Yungblud as a torchbearer of authentic rock energy offers a hopeful glimpse into the future.

FAQ

• What were Ted Nugent’s main criticisms of Jack White and Eminem?
  Nugent criticized them for opposing secure borders, supporting men in women’s sports, and welcoming individuals he describes as threats to America, calling them “total idiots” politically.
• Did Ted Nugent praise any artists in his video?
  Yes, he praised Jack White’s musical performance, Green Day’s and Tom Morello’s musical skills, and singled out Yungblud as the “real McCoy” representing authentic rock spirit.
• How does Nugent describe Tom Morello’s political stance?
  Nugent accused Morello of being part of “the machine” he claims to rage against, criticizing Morello’s politics despite acknowledging his great guitar skills.
• What is Nugent’s relationship with Tom Morello?
  They have a complicated friendship; Morello has defended their relationship despite political differences, calling Nugent “crazy uncle Ted.”
• What recent collaborations has Yungblud been involved in?
  Yungblud has worked with Aerosmith members Steven Tyler and Joe Perry and teamed up with The Smashing Pumpkins for a rocked-up version of his song “Zombie.”

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