Macklemore releases song criticizing Trump, Musk and global conflicts

• Rapper Macklemore’s new song, “F—ed Up,” targets figures like President Donald Trump and Elon Musk while addressing global political and social issues. Released exclusively on his social media platforms, the song has sparked conversations about U.S. foreign policy, media influence and humanitarian crises.
• In the first verse, Macklemore criticizes U.S. military aid to Israel, voices support for Palestine, and calls out social media companies for controlling what users see.
• Macklemore isn’t the only artist using music to address the conflict in the Middle East.

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Rapper Macklemore is making headlines with his new song, “F—ed Up.” The track calls out high-profile figures like President Donald Trump and tech billionaire Elon Musk while addressing global political and social issues.

The song, released exclusively on Macklemore’s social media platforms, has sparked conversations about U.S. foreign policy, media influence and humanitarian crises in regions like Gaza, Sudan and Congo.

Macklemore’s critique of US policy and media control

In the first verse, Macklemore criticizes U.S. military aid to Israel and voices support for Palestine. He references Gaza and the West Bank, alleging that U.S. tax dollars contribute to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“Talkin’ colonizing Gaza from the White House lawn,” he raps. Later in the song, he adds, “Call a ceasefire, then start annexing the West Bank.”

Macklemore claims the U.S. prioritizes power over human lives, criticizing both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He also calls out social media companies, alleging they control what users see by “shadow-banning,” or censoring, terms like #FreePalestine.

Elon Musk called out in chorus

Macklemore turns his attention to Musk in the chorus, rapping, “And Elon, we know exactly what that was, bruh.”

The line appears to reference Musk’s controversial arm gesture at Trump’s inauguration celebration. 

Global conflicts in Gaza, Sudan and Congo

The song also highlights humanitarian crises beyond the Middle East. Macklemore references the ongoing violence in Sudan and Congo, as well as the devastation in Gaza.

In Sudan, a civil conflict between military factions has displaced millions. In Congo, decades of violence driven by armed groups fighting over natural resources have left entire communities without access to essential needs.

The music video for “F—ed Up” pairs these messages with footage of bombed-out buildings, protests and civilians demonstrating resilience in war-torn areas. In one scene, Macklemore raps, “They marchin’ home… that’s resilience.”

Other artists weigh in on the Middle East conflict

Macklemore isn’t the only artist using music to address the conflict in the Middle East.

Singer-songwriter Five for Fighting, known for hits like “Superman,” released a song in January 2024 in response to the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks. The track addresses the rise in global antisemitism following the violence.

The artist traveled to Tel Aviv to perform the song “OK” in front of a live crowd.

Proceeds to support Palestinian refugees

While “F—ed Up” has received mixed reactions online, Macklemore says the song is part of a broader humanitarian effort.

He pledged that all proceeds from the track would go to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). The agency provides aid to Palestinian refugees, including food, healthcare and education.

The song is currently available only on Macklemore’s social media platforms.