British rock icon Phil Collins took aim at President Donald Trump and revealed he had an unwritten song about America called “Fat People With Guns” during a Friday “Piers Morgan Uncensored” interview, weeks before the musician was 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 replied “not much” before criticizing the president’s behavior and comparing him to past commanders in chief.
“All her mannerisms are unattractive,” he said. “Even when he says he hasn’t done anything. You know, I think 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 bad as he is, you end up not liking 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 go beyond individual politicians and target the country more broadly.
“Outside of big city bubbles, most Americans only really care about elections during an election year; other than that, they have much bigger worries, concerns and priorities,” Eldridge said. “This changes, however, when the rhetoric shifts from party-specific political criticism to broader statements about America in general.”
“Artists concerned with commercial appeal should ‘measure twice, cut once’ when they disparage American culture, character and capabilities. The statement is gratuitous, 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 that he could eventually turn into a song.
“I have a song waiting to be written called ‘Fat People with Guns,’ which is about America, you know, and I’m just writing this line so I don’t forget it,” Collins said.
Sarah Schmidt, president of the public relations firm Interdependence, told Fox News Digital in June that artists can face backlash when audiences think their political comments have veered into criticism of Americans themselves.
“If an artist mocks an American song from the stage, they can face rapid and intense backlash, because they are not the one commenting on a politician or policy,” she said. “They’re the ones criticizing the beliefs of the people who end up paying their bills.”
Collins also expressed concerns about whether Trump might seek to stay in power beyond his second term, although he later described himself as “not a political person.”
“I’m sure he even tried, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he just tried to undo the two-term deal, you know, and American presidents can only serve two terms,” he said.
Trump appeared to end speculation about another run in August, telling reporters that the constitutional restriction on seeking another term was clear.
“I would love to run, but the law is very strict,” Trump said. The 22nd Amendment states that no person may be elected president more than twice.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
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