Dropkick Murphys' Punk Rock Resistance Against MAGA

Boston Irish punk band uses music and activism to counter Trump's rhetoric and policies.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Dropkick Murphys, a Boston Irish Celtic punk band, have been outspoken critics of former President Trump's policies and rhetoric. Lead singer Ken Casey says the band has faced backlash from some fans for their political stances, but they are committed to using their platform to speak out against what they see as injustice. The band has also started a collaborative called 'Down for the Cause' to encourage more punk bands to get involved in activism.

Why it matters

The Dropkick Murphys' willingness to challenge MAGA ideology through their music and activism represents a broader trend of musicians using their platforms to address political issues. This is significant as the band's working-class, Boston-Irish fan base could be seen as part of Trump's base, making their resistance all the more impactful.

The details

The Dropkick Murphys' political activism came to the forefront when former D.C. police officer Michael Fanone, who was brutally attacked during the January 6th insurrection, wore the band's 'Fighting Nazis Since 1996' t-shirt while testifying before Congress. This led to a spike in t-shirt sales and renewed interest in the band's political messaging. Casey says the band has faced death threats and cancellation attempts for their outspoken views, but they are committed to continuing to speak out against what they see as injustice.

  • The Dropkick Murphys released their first album in 1996.
  • Michael Fanone wore the band's t-shirt while testifying before Congress in 2026.
  • The band announced they are parting ways with the Wasserman Music agency due to the agency head's connection to the Epstein files in 2026.

The players

Ken Casey

The lead singer of the Dropkick Murphys, a Boston Irish Celtic punk band that has been outspoken in its criticism of former President Trump's policies and rhetoric.

Michael Fanone

A former D.C. police officer who was brutally attacked during the January 6th insurrection and has been vocal in countering MAGA narratives about the event.

Dropkick Murphys

A Boston Irish Celtic punk band that has been using their music and activism to challenge MAGA ideology for over 30 years.

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What they’re saying

“Michael is an old friend. He was at our very first Dropkick show in D.C. in 1996, so it's not like he's some kind of jump-on-the-bandwagon guy. I appreciate just how vocal he is. It's one thing to talk the talk, but it's another to walk the walk and be showing up at all those events, and really putting himself out there.”

— Ken Casey, Lead Singer, Dropkick Murphys (The Times)

“I hate to say it, but in some ways, MAGA needs to be countered with a mirror of them, like in physical appearance. They love painting themselves as righteous warriors and the rest of the country as immigrants, or whatever other stupid s— they come up with. But it seems to trigger them more when someone like Michael Fanone and the Dropkick Murphys speak up to them because it just like explodes their mind.”

— Ken Casey, Lead Singer, Dropkick Murphys (The Times)

What’s next

The Dropkick Murphys and Michael Fanone, along with the band Rise Against, have started a collaborative called 'Down for the Cause' to encourage more punk bands to get involved in activism and speaking out against injustice.

The takeaway

The Dropkick Murphys' willingness to challenge MAGA ideology through their music and activism represents a broader trend of musicians using their platforms to address political issues, even at the risk of alienating some of their fanbase. Their commitment to social justice and speaking truth to power serves as an inspiration for other artists who want to use their voice to drive change.