British rock icon Phil Collins took aim at President Donald Trump and revealed he has an unwritten song about America titled “Fat People With Guns” during a Friday “Piers Morgan Uncensored” interview, weeks before the musician is set to be included in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.
After Morgan asked Collins directly what he thought of Trump, the 75-year-old musician said “not a lot” before criticizing the president’s demeanor and comparing him to past commanders in chief.
“His whole manner is unattractive,” he said. “Even when he’s saying he did nothing. You know, I think that presidents – because historically, presidents have been eloquent and elegant … but you feel like even if you don’t agree with them, you still respect them. But when someone like Trump is as nasty as he is, you end up feeling dislike for him.”
Collins’ remarks come amid a broader debate over musicians using their platforms to criticize Trump and the United States. Doug Eldridge, founder of Achilles PR, told Fox News Digital in June that criticism can take on a different meaning when artists move beyond individual politicians and target the country more broadly.
“Outside of big city bubbles, most Americans really only care about elections during an election year; other than that, they have much bigger cares, concerns and priorities,” Eldridge said. “That changes, however, when the rhetoric shifts from party-specific, political criticism, to more broad statements about America, in general.”
“Artists with any regard for commercial appeal should ‘measure twice, cut once’ when disparaging American culture, character and capability. The statement is free, but the response will prove costly.”
Collins also took aim at the United States while discussing his songwriting process, revealing that he had saved a provocative phrase he could eventually develop into a song.
“I’ve got a song that’s waiting to be written called ‘Fat People with Guns,’ which is about America, you know, and I just write that phrase down so I don’t forget it,” Collins said.
Sarah Schmidt, president of PR firm Interdependence, told Fox News Digital in June that artists can face backlash when audiences believe their political commentary has shifted toward criticism of Americans themselves.
“If an artist mocks a USA chant from stage, they can face swift and intense backlash because it’s not them commenting on a politician or policy,” she said. “It’s them criticizing the beliefs of the people who ultimately pay their bills.”
Collins also raised concerns about whether Trump could seek to stay in power beyond his second term, despite later describing himself as “not a political person.”
“I’m sure he’s even tried, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he just tries to overrule the two-term deal, you know, and American presidents can only serve two terms,” he said.
Trump appeared to shut down speculation about another run in August, telling reporters that the constitutional restriction on seeking another term was clear.
“I’d love to run, but the law is very strong,” Trump said. The 22nd Amendment states that no person can be elected president more than twice.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
