Green Day's Anti-Trump Protests Through the Years

The band has a long history of criticizing the former U.S. president through lyrics, interviews, and live performances.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:55am

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Green Day, the California-based rock band set to perform at the Super Bowl 60 opening ceremony, has a lengthy history of opposition to former U.S. presidents Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong has frequently protested Trump through his words and actions, including likening the former president to Adolf Hitler, leading anti-Trump chants, and changing lyrics in the band's hit song "American Idiot" to target Trump and his allies.

Why it matters

Green Day's outspoken criticism of Trump and other political figures reflects the band's longstanding commitment to using its platform to voice dissent and challenge authority. As a high-profile performer at the Super Bowl, there is speculation that Green Day may incorporate some form of protest into its set, continuing the band's tradition of leveraging its music to make bold political statements.

The details

Over the years, Armstrong has made numerous comments criticizing Trump, including likening him to Hitler in 2016 and renouncing his U.S. citizenship in 2022 following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade. The band has also released music videos and changed lyrics in songs like "American Idiot" to target Trump and his allies, such as Elon Musk and former Vice President JD Vance.

  • In August 2016, Armstrong likened Trump to Adolf Hitler in an interview.
  • In November 2016, Green Day led a "No Trump, no KKK, no fascist USA" chant at the American Music Awards.
  • In June 2022, Armstrong said he was renouncing his U.S. citizenship during a performance in the UK.
  • In December 2023, Green Day changed a lyric in "American Idiot" to protest Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.
  • In January 2025, Armstrong changed a lyric in "American Idiot" to target Elon Musk, who was influential in Trump's 2024 campaign.

The players

Billie Joe Armstrong

The lead singer of the rock band Green Day, who has frequently criticized former U.S. presidents Donald Trump and Elon Musk through his words and actions.

Green Day

A California-based rock band that is set to perform at the Super Bowl 60 opening ceremony and has a history of using its music to make political statements.

Donald Trump

The 45th and 47th president of the United States, who has been the target of Green Day's criticism and protests.

Elon Musk

The influential tech entrepreneur who was involved in Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, and whom Green Day has also targeted with lyric changes.

JD Vance

The former U.S. vice president who was the target of a lyric change in Green Day's "Jesus of Suburbia" in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“[Trump just said, 'You have no options and I'm the only one, and I'm going to take care of it myself.' I mean, that's f—ing Hitler, man. I don't even know how else to explain it.”

— Billie Joe Armstrong, Lead singer, Green Day

“F— America, I'm f—ing renouncing my citizenship. I'm f—ing coming here. ... Miserable excuse for a f—ing country.”

— Billie Joe Armstrong, Lead singer, Green Day

What’s next

It remains to be seen whether Green Day will incorporate any form of protest into its Super Bowl 60 opening ceremony performance, continuing the band's history of using its platform to voice dissent against political figures.

The takeaway

Green Day's longstanding opposition to Donald Trump and other political figures underscores the band's commitment to using its music and public platform to challenge authority and make bold political statements, even at high-profile events like the Super Bowl.