Cassandra Santiago
Cassandra Santiago is a multimedia journalist, editor, and editorial strategist with over a decade of experience shaping conversations across arts, entertainment, culture, and global news. A graduate of the University of Iowa, she has built a cross-platform career spanning newspapers, magazines, radio, and digital media. She joined The Shade Room five years ago and currently serves as a Senior Editor, where she leads editorial direction, oversees exclusive coverage, and trains and edits a team of writers. Cassandra has played a key role in developing high-impact content and editorial strategies for an audience of more than 30 million, contributing to platform growth, engagement, and monetization across multiple channels. In addition to her leadership role, she remains a daily contributor, with her articles generating more than 41 million views since 2023. Beyond The Shade Room, Cassandra offers freelance social media strategy services, speaks on the influence and impact of Black media at public panels, and owns Did It For You, an event design company in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. She is Poynter Institute–certified and was named to the DMV’s 35 Under 35 list in 2024.


Oop! Social Media DRAGS Kid Rock For Comments About Michelle Obama Skipping Trump’s Inauguration (VIDEO)
Chile! Kid Rock has landed himself in hot water after his recent comments about Michelle Obama. Earlier this week, reps for the Obamas confirmed that the former president will attend Donald Trump‘s inauguration, but the former First Lady will not. No explanation was given for why Michelle plans to skip the presidential transition. However, Kid Rock’s take is stirring chaos on social media!
RELATED: Chile! Carrie Underwood & Village People Defend Scheduled Performances At Donald Trump’s Inaugural Events
Kid Rock Slams Michelle Obama For Skipping Inauguration
The artist made his critiques while speaking to Fox News reporter Jesse Waters. In the circulating video, Rock shared a “reminder” for Michelle Obama about how he came through for Barack Obama in 2008. Kid Rock is one of the incoming administration’s musical acts for inaugural events this weekend, on Monday, and after. Other artists who will be performing include Carrie Underwood, Village People, Billy Ray Cyrus, and even Nelly.
In his follow-up, Waters asked Kid Rock why he believes Michelle had rejected her RSVP. The reporter also pointed out that the other former First Ladies, including Laura Bush and Hillary Clinton, will be in attendance.
Social Media Pops Off Over America’s “Forever First Lady”
Michelle skipping the inauguration will mark the second time this month that she’s missed a presidential event. She also did not attend former President Jimmy Carter’s state funeral in Washington, D.C., last week. Former Presidents Trump, Obama, Bush and Clinton and their spouses attended, though. In fact, Barack and Donnie even went viral for their extra-friendly behavior at the memorial service.
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Nonetheless, social media users aren’t letting Kid Rock’s shade slide. On X (formerly Twitter), the artist quickly became a trending topic for his critiques of Auntie Michelle. Keep scrolling to see how the roommates are ripping Rock a new one, chile!
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@hernamebeal wrote, “And I would kindly like to remind you that you are 2 smokes away from being considered a crackhead…. Stay in your lane.”
@mbrenee said, “I’m so tired of the ‘ angry black woman’ narrative .. if and when we are actually angry, TRUST me ,you will be the first to know smh.”
“Black women are always labeled ‘angry’ 🙄 didn’t hear y’all saying 💩 when Trump didn’t attend Biden’s inauguration,” @trinivixen1127 wrote.
“KEEP MICHELLE’s NAME OUT YA MOUTH! The “angry black woman” trope is tired 🥱 Meanwhile, she has several reasons not to attend,” @iamneither wrote.
@lirisc added, “@kidrock Michelle isn’t obligated to attend first of all! Second, Trump skipped the inauguration of Biden but you ain’t have this same energy so respectfully BE QUIET!”
See additional reactions from the roommates HERE.
RELATED: Wayment! Social Media Sounds OFF After Video Shows Barack Obama & Donald Trump Chattin’ At Jimmy Carter’s Funeral
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Barack Wishes Michelle A Happy Birthday
While the internet is standing behind Mrs. Obama, so is her husband! No, he hasn’t responded to Kid Rock’s shade. Instead, he took some time on Friday (January 17) to pen a sweet, brief message celebrating her 61st birthday.
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Michelle has also chosen not to respond directly to Kid Rock. The former First Lady also has not shared any insight into her birthday festivities via social media.
Happy Birthday, Mrs. Obama! Roommates, swipe below and let us know in the comments which Michelle mood is your favorite!
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Associated Press reporter Darlene Superville contributed to this report.