Trump Supporters Rock Out to Rage Against the Machine at Protest; Tom Morello Responds

A pair of pro-Trump protestors waving a controversial “thin blue line” flag in support of the police have been filmed singing and dancing along with Rage Against the Machine’s “Killing in the Name” during a protest in Philadelphia, PA. Trump supporters in that state are either demanding that votes stop being counted or keep being counted, depending on whether or not Trump is currently winning or losing.

The song is a bizarre choice, of course. In addition to Rage Against the Machine being openly liberal, “Killing in the Name” is specifically a song about police brutality.

You can watch the video below.

In response to the footage, RATM guitarist Tom Morello has commented that this use of the song is “Not exactly what we had in mind.”

Rage Against the Machine streams increased 77% this summer amid Black Lives Matter protests inspired by the murder of George Floyd — in fact, protestors in Portland were spotted shouting “Killing in the Name” at police. Somewhat oddly, Morello still had to personally educate multiple fans as to the political message of the band’s catalogue.

Rage Against the Machine, whose first show took place 29 years ago last month, were forced to postpone their big summer 2020 reunion tour due to the pandemic. The dates have been rescheduled for 2021. Support will come from Run the Jewels.

Morello will take place in a tribute to Eddie Van Halen, along with Slash (Guns N’ Roses) and Kirk Hammett (Metallica), as part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2020 induction ceremony tonight, Saturday, November 7. That will air tonight, Saturday, November 7, on HBO at 8 p.m. EST/PST.

[via The PRP]