Willie Nelson is taking another shot at President Donald Trump after years of Democratic activism that has already cost him support among some country music fans. The 93-year-old singer declared that he opposes virtually the president’s entire agenda in a new interview. His remarks offer a sharp contrast with fellow country star Jason Aldean, who has publicly backed Trump despite criticism of his own.
Nelson made the comments during a telephone interview with Simon Hattenstone published November 8th, 2026, while discussing his memoir, “The Last Leaf.” Speaking from his home in Maui, Hawaii, the singer also addressed his continued touring and cannabis businesses. Hattenstone introduced the political discussion by suggesting these must be strange times for Nelson to be living in Trump’s America.
Nelson responded by discussing elections before recalling his own paid work for Trump. “Well, you know, I’ve watched a lot of presidents come and go. We vote ’em in. And when we don’t like it, we vote ’em out,” he said. He then added, “I know Donald Trump pretty good. We go way back. I worked for him for two weeks at his resort in Atlantic City.”
In the interview published by The Guardian, Nelson acknowledged that the job paid well and that Trump personally thanked him. “We disagree on politics probably 100%, but he likes music,” he said. Asked what he disagreed with most, Nelson answered, “I disagree with a lot of the things he’s tried to do. Practically everything he’s tried to do.”
Nelson’s political involvement has previously prompted calls for fans to stop supporting him. In September 2018, The Washington Post reported boycott calls after he announced a rally for Democrat Beto O’Rourke. O’Rourke was challenging Republican Senator Ted Cruz in Texas. Fans also told Nelson to stay out of politics, according to ABC13’s coverage of the dispute.
Nelson brushed aside that backlash during a September 18th, 2018, appearance on “The View.” ABC13 reported that he didn’t care whether some fans were upset about his support for O’Rourke. “Everybody has an opinion. Everybody has a right to an opinion. I think I have one too,” Nelson said. He also pointed to his longstanding support for Democrats when addressing why listeners were surprised by his endorsement.
That same year, Nelson criticized Trump’s zero-tolerance immigration policy and challenged him to visit a Border Patrol detention center together. He also debuted “Vote ’Em Out,” co-written with Buddy Cannon, at a Democratic rally in Texas. His criticism of the immigration policy included an appeal aimed directly at religious Americans: “Christians everywhere should be up in arms.”
"*" indicates required fields
Watch Nelson’s “Vote ’Em Out” music video here:
Country music star Jason Aldean has taken the opposite position, endorsing Trump ahead of the 2024 election and performing at his inaugural Liberty Ball in January 2025. As the Washington Examiner reported, Aldean discussed the criticism he and his wife had received during a January 21st, 2025, appearance on “Fox & Friends.” He described years of backlash for publicly expressing their views about the country and the previous administration. He also welcomed celebrities who were beginning to show support after previously remaining quiet.
Where Nelson expressed near-total opposition to Trump’s efforts, Aldean welcomed his return to office. During that interview, Aldean challenged favorable media portrayals of conditions under the preceding administration and said others were beginning to recognize the problems. He described Trump’s second term in plainly positive terms: “So to have President Trump back in office I think it gives everybody a sense of relief.”