Ted Nugent Calls for Direct Pressure on Elected Officials to Demand Government Accountability

By Jim Thomas | Friday, 02 January 2026 07:32 PM EST

Ted Nugent urged Americans during an appearance on Newsmax’s “Carl Higbie FRONTLINE” Friday to stop complaining and instead directly pressure elected officials and law enforcement leaders, arguing that accountability in government only emerges when citizens actively demand it.

Appearing before host Carl Higbie, the musician framed civic engagement as a personal responsibility, warning that public officials will continue ignoring voters unless they face sustained pressure from those they serve.

Nugent opened with a personal message to Higbie, stating, “You know, Carl, I bring you much love from the not so mean streets of America.” He added that viewers frequently ask him to pass along their support and noted that Higbie represents what the Founding Fathers envisioned for citizens who remain skeptical of authority.

The musician described Americans as being 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.

Nugent detailed his own efforts, including personally contacting high-ranking officials such as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel. He urged them to jail criminals involved in recently documented fraud and the misuse of taxpayer funds, stating, “You’ve seen the crimes, you’ve got the evidence. Would you please snap some handcuffs on all these criminals running amok, burning our hard-earned tax dollars?”

He emphasized that civic participation extends beyond commentary and protest, saying the American system of self-government “isn’t just about squawking.” Nugent noted that state leaders such as Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer 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, urging them to register and vote while actively confronting local and state officials.

Nugent warned, “If you’re not putting pressure on your mayor, your chief of police, your state trooper commander, and your sheriff, and your governor, if you’re not putting pressure on them, they’re laughing at you.”

He concluded by complimenting Higbie’s momentum, adding, “You’re on track, and there is movement.”