Jelly Roll is brushing off the criticism he’s faced.

While on his wife Bunnie XO’s “Dumb Blonde” podcast, the 40-year-old “Save Me” artist discussed the backlash he experienced after meeting President-elect Donald Trump at a UFC event in November.

“There’s no way I would pass up a chance to meet the president-elect,” he stated. “If I had an opportunity to meet Joe Biden at any point, I would have dropped everything to go and meet him. He’s the sitting president! I wouldn’t have cared about people’s opinions, even my own, regarding his policies.”

The Grammy nominee was seen chatting with Trump during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden in November. Footage showed the singer laughing and engaging with the Republican nominee, who had just secured the 2024 election victory.

Some people thought his interaction signaled support for Trump. However, on the podcast, he clarified that he’s not a “political” person and was raised to respect the office of the president, no matter who occupies it, as it is “the hardest job in the world.”

“I don’t disguise my lack of political affiliation. I’m just not political,” he shared. “. I prefer discussing things I care about. I like to learn about different subjects. To be honest, I don’t know enough about politics to pretend I know what’s happening or what anyone stands for regarding policies. I genuinely don’t have that knowledge.”

Setting politics aside, Jelly Roll noted that it was “powerful” to see the president-elect enter Madison Square Garden for the event. He mentioned that he wasn’t sure he would be able to meet Trump until the former president made eye contact and gestured for him to come over.

After shaking hands, Jelly Roll said Trump complimented him on his song “Save Me,” saying, “You’re doing incredible things.”

“Meeting President Trump was a great experience,” he remarked. “In the end, I don’t care about any backlash that may come from it. Honestly, it was really cool to meet the president.”

Jelly Roll, a convicted felon who can’t vote, previously shared with Rolling Stone that he won’t endorse any candidates for the 2024 election. “People ask, ‘Why don’t you encourage people to vote for someone?'” he said. “You want me to suggest voting for a system that won’t allow me to vote?”