HEALTHJelly Roll’s Sudden Shift to Donald Trump Criticism May Be a Side Effect of Ozempic, Rep. Andy Ogles Claims
Tennessee's Rep. Andy Ogles was asked about Jelly Roll's criticism of President Donald Trump.
Sept. 3 2026, Published 4:35 p.m. ET
Rep. Andy Ogles had a tongue-in-cheek theory about why Jelly Roll has been taking shots at President Donald Trump: the singer's weight loss.
The Tennessee congressman was asked about Jelly Roll's recent criticism while on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, September 1.
Ogles suggested, with a wink, that turning on Trump might be an unexpected side effect of weight-loss drug Ozempic.
Criticism Tied to Weight Loss
Andy Ogles noted Jelly Roll had once been seen embracing Donald Trump.
Ogles made clear his comment to TMZ was a joke rather than something anyone should take seriously. He noted that Jelly Roll had once been seen embracing Trump, then quipped the singer had gone on "Ozempic or whatever" and suddenly soured on the president. He floated the idea, in jest, that the change of heart might be a side-effect of the medication.
No Hard Feelings
Asked whether the comments had cost Jelly Roll a listener in Congress, Andy Ogles admitted he hadn't really been following his music.
Despite the ribbing, Ogles said he holds nothing against the singer. Asked whether Jelly Roll's comments had cost him a listener in Congress, Ogles admitted he hadn't really been following the music in the first place. He added that he'd happily shake Jelly Roll's hand and even get his autograph.
- 'From One Fat Pig to Another': Jelly Roll Sounds the Alarm on Donald Trump's Weight After Singer Shed 300 Pounds
- Jelly Roll Says He's Lost an 'Entire Donald Trump' in Weight as He Triples Down on Political Jokes Amid Backlash
- Is Tucker Carlson on Ozempic? Controversial Podcaster's Gaunt Appearance Sparks Rumors He's Using Weight-Loss Drug
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Jelly Roll's Trump Jabs
While guest-hosting 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' in late August, Jelly Roll mocked Trump, including a crude jab about his weight.
The congressman's comments followed a run of pointed jokes Jelly Roll made about Trump. While guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! in late August, the singer mocked the president, including a crude jab about his weight. Jelly Roll used the platform across the week to needle Trump, drawing both laughs and criticism.
Jelly Roll later addressed his politics directly. In an emotional monologue on his final night hosting, he rejected being claimed by either party, saying human dignity is neither Republican nor Democrat and that he tries to speak for people who feel forgotten. He had faced backlash from some conservative viewers over the Trump jokes.
A Major Transformation
Jelly Roll has denied using Ozempic.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has lost roughly 200 pounds in recent years through diet, exercise and lifestyle changes, and has spoken openly about the effort as part of his turnaround from a troubled past. He also insisted he's never used Ozempic.
The country star, 40, has built a career around themes of redemption after years of addiction and incarceration, and won three Grammy Awards in 2026.
He guest-hosted Jimmy Kimmel Live! for a week in late August as part of a rotating lineup filling in for Jimmy Kimmel during his summer break.
