Country Singer Charley Crockett Faces Backlash for Criticizing Trump, Musk on Social Media

Austin-based artist calls former president a 'grifter' and calls for deportation of billionaires Elon Musk and Peter Thiel

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Austin-based country music singer Charley Crockett is facing backlash from some fans after posting a series of politically charged comments on social media, including labeling former President Donald Trump a 'grifter,' calling for the deportation of Texas-based billionaires Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, and criticizing supporters of the former president and tech leaders.

Why it matters

Crockett's comments highlight the growing divide in the country music community, as some artists become more vocal about their political views and face pushback from fans who disagree. The controversy also touches on broader debates around wealth inequality, the role of money in politics, and the relationship between celebrities, their platforms, and social issues.

The details

In an Instagram post, Crockett criticized Trump as someone who is only good at filing lawsuits and portraying himself as a successful businessman on reality TV, calling him 'a grifter who bankrupted six casinos.' He also took aim at Musk — whose aerospace company SpaceX is based in Texas — claiming the South Africa-born billionaire is 'standing in the White House buying our elections.' Crockett went on to call for the deportation of Musk and Thiel, writing that the two 'openly believe in a post-democratic society where men of their class are above the law.'

  • Crockett posted the controversial comments on February 9, 2026.

The players

Charley Crockett

An Austin-based, San Benito-born country music singer who is known for his politically charged social media posts.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, whom Crockett labeled a 'grifter.'

Elon Musk

The Texas-based billionaire and CEO of SpaceX, whom Crockett called for the deportation of.

Peter Thiel

The co-founder of Palantir Technologies, whom Crockett also called for the deportation of.

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What they’re saying

“Forgive me if I have a problem with a 34-time convicted felon running this country when I lost the right to vote or own a weapon for years over marijuana.”

— Charley Crockett, Country Singer (Instagram)

“As long as you're hating the oppressed and loving your oppressor, you'll never know why our generation is poorer than our parents and grandparents.”

— Charley Crockett, Country Singer (Instagram)

What’s next

Crockett's comments have sparked a heated debate among his fans, with some criticizing him for his political views and others praising him for using his platform to speak out. It remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Crockett's career and relationship with his fanbase going forward.

The takeaway

Crockett's outspoken political views highlight the growing divide in the country music community, as some artists become more vocal about social and political issues. This controversy underscores the challenges that celebrities face when using their platforms to address controversial topics, and the potential backlash they can receive from fans who disagree with their positions.