Ted Nugent weighed in on his relationship with the Secret Service on Sunday, stating that he is now on "even better" terms with the agency after being investigated for controversial comments he made about President Obama.
In an interview with the Arizona Republic ahead of a concert in Phoenix, Nugent declined to answer specific questions about the controversy, which began when the rock star told NRA supporters earlier this month that he would be "dead or in jail" next year if Obama was reelected. He did, however, say that he remains on good terms with the Secret Service.
"Very much so, even better now," Nugent said of his relationship with the agency following the investigation.
Nugent also spoke about his friendship with Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio, who is currently facing a federal trial after refusing to adjust policing practices that, according to a Justice Department investigation into the Arizona sheriff's department, discriminate against Latinos.
When asked if he planned to see Arpaio while he was in town, Nugent responded enthusiastically, "Oh, hell yeah." He continued, "Hope to perform my honorable Maricopa County sheriff deputy duties while in town with America's top sheriff."
Nugent also explained why he became friends with the outspoken sheriff, detailing the pair's shared values.
"We believe with all our heart and soul that law and order, goodwill and decency as driven by the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights, Ten Commandments and Golden Rule provide the greatest quality of life on Earth, and we will never back down from these self-evident truths," Nugent said.
In addition to the Secret Service scrutiny, Nugent has become the subject of public ire since delivering his anti-Obama screed. Although Nugent has defended his comments and said they were intended metaphorically, his remarks were widely panned. They also led to his removal from a concert lineup at military base Fort Knox.
Here's a look back at other controversial comments Nugent has made:
