In a bold move that’s sure to stir debate, Ronnie Winter, frontman of The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, has slammed the door on Donald Trump supporters, declaring them persona non grata at his band’s concerts.
According to Mass Live, Winter made his stance crystal clear in a video posted to Instagram on Saturday, June 14, 2025, sparking a firestorm over free expression and the role of politics in music.
Let’s be honest—music has always been a battleground for ideas, but Winter’s outright ban on certain fans based on their voting history feels like a bridge too far for many who cherish personal freedom.
“If you are a Christian and you voted for Donald Trump, you are not allowed to come to my shows,” Winter declared in his video, leaving no room for misinterpretation.
That’s a direct line in the sand, and while Winter has every right to his views, dictating who can and cannot enjoy his music based on political beliefs seems more divisive than unifying. Turns out, gatekeeping isn’t just for social media anymore.
Winter didn’t stop there, doubling down by claiming even the band’s hit song “Face Down” isn’t meant for Trump supporters, despite its broad appeal across fan bases.
“It’s awesome that you love ‘Face Down.’ It’s not for you,” Winter said, effectively alienating a chunk of listeners who helped make the track a five-times platinum success.
Now, a song that peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and resonated with countless fans is being wielded as a cultural weapon. It’s a curious way to thank the audience that propelled The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus to fame since their 2003 formation in Middleburg, Florida.
The band’s debut album, “Don’t Fake It,” released in 2006, hit No. 25 on the Billboard 200, but subsequent releases like “Lonely Road” and “The Awakening” never matched that early triumph.
Winter also warned potential attendees that his shows will feature what he calls “woke propaganda” alongside messages of harmony and acceptance across diverse backgrounds. He’s upfront about the content, which is fair, but branding it as such might just confirm the suspicions of those wary of progressive agendas in entertainment.
“You are going to see a lot of words of acceptance from all areas of life and races,” Winter added, promising a vision of unity that ironically excludes based on political affiliation. If harmony is the goal, shouldn’t the door be open to dialogue, not slammed shut?
For those barred from attending, Winter noted refunds are available, a small consolation for fans who might feel stung by this indefinite ban, not just for a season, but forever.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, known for their emo-pop sound, is currently on tour with shows scheduled through November 2025, including a performance at the Crystal Ballroom in Somerville on August 24, 2025.
Their fan base, built over two decades, now faces a peculiar litmus test at the ticket booth. While Winter’s passion for his principles can’t be denied, one wonders if this move will shrink the crowds who once sang along to anthems of shared struggle.
Music has the power to bridge divides, but only if everyone’s invited to listen.
