The Lincoln Project Dropkick Murphys: “MAGA Got Played”
Jan 13, 2026
Ken Casey, frontman of Dropkick Murphys, dives deep into how Trump misled the working class with false populism. He discusses the role grievance and misinformation played in securing working-class support for Trump, and how economic policies hurt farmers and small businesses. Casey champions punk rock as a voice of resistance against fascism and highlights the importance of class consciousness in music. Updated protest songs, like 'Citizen ICE,' showcase how artists can confront injustice and reclaim their narratives.
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Hits Convey Political Points Faster
- Ken Casey says short, direct songs are the only way to convey complex political nuances to a live working-class audience.
- He uses blunt satire to expose hypocrisy quickly because concerts allow only brief political moments.
Wealth Undermines Fake Populism
- Ken Casey calls Trump's background and wealth fundamentally at odds with working-class values and finds his appeal paradoxical.
- He highlights that Trump’s upbringing undermines his populist posturing.
Unblinking Lies Become Political Power
- Ken Casey attributes Trump's success to a mix of malignant narcissism and pathological lying that never blinks on camera.
- Rick Wilson calls that trait sociopathic and emotionally compelling to supporters.
