Trump Hosts Kid Rock at the White House to Tackle Ticket Scalping

In a notable policy shift, President Donald Trump signed an executive order intended to combat ticket scalping and introduce “commonsense” changes to live event pricing. The announcement came during a visit from musician Kid Rock at the Oval Office on Monday.

“Anyone who has purchased a concert ticket in the last several years understands the problem,” Kid Rock stated, donning a striking red suit adorned with an American flag. His concerns echoed the frustrations many ticket buyers face regarding inflated prices due to added fees and scalping practices.

The executive order targets “price-gouging by middlemen,” directing Attorney General Pam Bondi and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to enforce Internal Revenue Service compliance among scalpers. Additionally, it mandates the Federal Trade Commission to ensure price transparency throughout the ticket purchasing process and to address unfair practices prevalent in the secondary market.

Trump, who has a long-standing friendship with Kid Rock, acknowledged the rising ticket fees that have burdened fans. Kid Rock quantified the issue, explaining that a ticket priced at $100 often costs consumers around $170 after checkout, largely due to hidden fees and the exploitation of ticket bots who resell tickets at exorbitant markups.

The order marks a rare instance of bipartisan alignment, reminiscent of recent initiatives by the Biden administration aimed at curbing “junk fees.” The previous administration’s efforts coincided with the Biden Justice Department’s lawsuit against Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, for monopolistic practices that inflate pricing for consumers.

Live Nation responded positively, thanking Trump for addressing the issues caused by scalpers and bots. The company expressed support for resale reforms and price caps, highlighting a shared goal to improve access for fans.

In an industry often criticized for excessive fees, this executive order aims to protect consumers while also uplifting artists. The White House estimates that the live concert and entertainment industry contributes $132.6 billion to the economy and supports nearly a million jobs. However, it argues that middlemen often siphon profits away from artists and fans alike.

Trump’s directive includes a six-month timeline for federal officials and the FTC to report on actions taken regarding unfair practices in the industry and to recommend further regulatory measures. The order outlines how scalpers exploit the system, acquiring tickets at face value only to sell them at significant markups, ultimately depriving fans of reasonable access.

Kid Rock reiterated that such practices fail to benefit artists, humorously noting his own ticket prices amidst a broader conversation on fair compensation for live performances. “It’s kind of ridiculous,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for change that allows more fans to participate in live music experiences.