Punk In The Park Faces Backlash Over Organizer’s TRUMP Donation

Punk In The Park, the multi-city punk and hardcore music festival, is at the center of a growing controversy after it was revealed that festival owner Cameron Collins made a personal donation to Donald Trump‘s 2024 presidential campaign. The discovery has led to a wave of backlash across the punk and alternative music communities, with several bands dropping off the lineup and others, including the Dropkick Murphys, publicly stating they will no longer participate in the event in the future.

The criticism has also sparked a petition to shut the festival down entirely, which as of now is over its goal of 1,000 signatures. For many, the issue touches a nerve in a scene historically rooted in anti-authoritarianism, activism, and progressive values. The association with a political figure widely viewed as divisive has struck a chord, prompting calls for accountability and transparency.

In response to the backlash, Collins released a public statement addressing his donation and the broader political implications. While maintaining that Punk In The Park itself has never and will never donate to political campaigns, he attempted to clarify his personal views, describing himself as politically independent and guided by specific policy concerns rather than party allegiance.

“When it comes to politics,” Collins wrote, “those issues were the promise to end wars and refrain from entering new international conflicts, lower taxes, and stopping government overreach.” He acknowledged that his choice to donate was based on those limited factors, and not necessarily an endorsement of all of the former president’s views or actions.

He continued by emphasizing shared values across the punk scene, writing: “I think we all probably have common ground on a lot of big issues like being anti-racism, anti-war, and the belief in human rights for EVERYONE, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other identity.” Collins further stressed his support for diversity and individuality within the community, adding that the festival employs and supports people from all backgrounds and walks of life.”

Which I guess makes sense, but it’s a real “I never thought leopards would eat MY face” kind of situation. Trump never made a lot of what he’s currently doing a secret, so saying a lot of is a surprise is… kind of a cop out, man.

Here’s what Collins said in full: “I have never posted anything political on our platforms and have no intention to in the future but this needs to be addressed. There have been a lot of assumptions and conclusions made as to who I am and what my values are.

“Like many Americans, my political views don’t neatly fit into a single box or party affiliation. I believe in fairness, humanity, free expression, and fostering unity among people. That’s how I’ve tried to live my life and conduct my business.

“We live in a two-party system, and unfortunately, you must choose based on a few important issues that resonate with you. For me, those issues were the promise to end wars and refrain from entering new international conflicts, lower taxes, and stopping government overreach.

“At the time, it boiled down to those points for me. I must admit that I haven’t been pleased with a great many of the current President’s viewpoints, opinions, and policies thus far, particularly with the recent ICE atrocities and the backtracking on the Epstein files being released as well as all the posturing with our allies around the world.

“I think we all probably have common ground on a lot of big issues like being anti-racism, anti-war, and the belief in human rights for EVERYONE, regardless of race, sexual orientation, religion, or any other identity.

“Additionally, I’d imagine we all oppose hate of any kind and passionately support this community of punk rock and its individuality that has welcomed so many misfits into the family over the years.

“This community represents a wide range of views and backgrounds, and that diversity has always been part of its identity. We don’t have to see eye to eye on everything to come together and enjoy what unites us, great music, good times, and mutual respect.

“It’s important to note that the festival has not and will not donate any of its proceeds to any political party. However, we do make significant donations to various charitable causes, such as Punk Rock Saves Lives and Big Brother Big Sister.

“We proudly employ hundreds of people directly and indirectly at our festivals from all walks of life, race, religion and sexual orientation.

“Over the years, I’ve been proud to provide a platform for artists to connect with hundreds of thousands of fans. We’ve invested millions of dollars in artist guarantees, and I’ve never censored or restricted a band’s message or voice. Our track record speaks for itself.”

Despite the statement, public response remains mixed, with some fans and artists accepting Collins‘ explanation, while others continue to call for further action or boycotts. As tensions build, it remains to be seen how Punk In The Park will navigate this moment — and whether the festival can maintain its credibility within a scene built on anti-establishment values.