Rock legend Phil Collins held nothing back when asked about President Donald Trump in a new interview. The 75-year-old musician shared his unfiltered take on Trump’s leadership style and revealed a surprising song idea inspired by modern America.
Phil Collins explains why Donald Trump’s approach to politics alarms him
Phil Collins shared his thoughts on Donald Trump during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored. The 75-year-old rock legend called Trump’s manner “unattractive” and “nasty.” He contrasted Trump’s demeanor with what he described as the eloquence and elegance of past presidents.
“Even when he’s saying he did nothing,” Collins said on the show. “Historically, presidents have been eloquent and elegant.” He added that past leaders earned respect even from those who disagreed with them. Collins contrasted that tradition with Trump’s confrontational style.
The former Genesis frontman also expressed concern about Trump’s political approach. “He plays politics like a businessman, and it’s not really a business at all,” Collins said. He described the current political climate as “a very scary time.” Collins argued that Trump treats diplomacy as a series of deals to win or lose.
Collins and Trump have clashed before over music rights. In 2020, Collins’ legal team sent a cease-and-desist letter to Trump’s campaign. The campaign had played “In the Air Tonight” at a Des Moines rally without authorization. The letter stated Collins wanted no connection to Trump or his campaign. Collins joins artists like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Celine Dion in opposing unauthorized use of their music.
Collins also addressed speculation about Trump seeking a third term. He doubted Trump would succeed in that effort. “I think even his own party, even his own followers would disagree with that suggestion,” he said. However, he noted Trump appears to groom JD Vance as a successor. “He’s kind of training JD Vance to sort of be Trump, too,” Collins added.
The eight-time Grammy winner acknowledged he is not deeply political. “I’m not a political person, but I do see right from wrong,” Collins said. He also revealed he has an idea for a song about America titled “Fat People with Guns.”
