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Dolmayan’s Support for Trump Sparks Controversy Within Music Community
In a recent dialogue with Australian YouTuber Lilian Tahmasian, John Dolmayan, the drummer of the influential band System of a Down, reaffirmed his backing for former President Donald Trump, drawing attention given his band’s typically progressive ideals. The conversation highlighted Dolmayan’s perspectives on politics, particularly how they have shaped his current views and artistic identity.
Dolmayan, who has been with System of a Down since 1997, has faced significant backlash for his political stance, stating that he lost “hundreds of thousands” of followers in 2023 due to his outspoken support for Trump. In his conversation, he noted that despite the division his views have caused, he stands firm in his beliefs, crediting Trump’s leadership with restoring a sense of stability in the country.
“I’m glad he won, because it brings a little sanity back. Irrespective of what you hear out there, it’s much more sane with him than it was without him,” Dolmayan asserted, indicating a preference for what he perceives as a more controlled political narrative during Trump’s presidency.
Dolmayan’s backdrop as an immigrant from Beirut, Lebanon, who relocated to California during his early years amid the Lebanese Civil War, greatly influences his views on immigration and border policy. While he recognizes the challenges faced by those fleeing persecution or seeking new opportunities, he firmly believes in the necessity of establishing orderly immigration systems.
“We need law and order. Maybe they get oppressed one way or the other in their countries and they need to leave. Or maybe they just want a fresh start,” he explained, advocating for structured pathways that respect both immigrants’ dreams and the nation’s laws. He emphasizes that prospective immigrants should contribute to society, paying taxes and being involved in the community.
His unwavering stance on political matters has not come without personal costs; Dolmayan has expressed that many friends have distanced themselves, and he faced significant attrition in his social media following. Despite this, Dolmayan believes that the ongoing discourse is vital and sees it as a means for those questioning the dominant narratives in society to reassess their beliefs. He articulates that his political engagement isn’t merely about aligning with a particular faction but rather about addressing what he perceives as moral failures in leadership.
System of a Down remains a notable figure in the music landscape, having released five critically acclaimed studio albums between 1998 and 2005, including the hits *Toxicity* (2001) and the dual releases *Hypnotize* and *Mezmerize* (2005). After a hiatus beginning in 2006, the band regrouped in 2010 and has performed sporadically since then. Their recent output includes the singles *Protect the Land* and *Genocidal Humanoidz*, released in 2020, yet fans are left anticipating new full-length material.
Dolmayan has expressed dissatisfaction over the group’s lack of new music, prompting speculation about the future direction of System of a Down, as their legacy continues amidst a complex political and cultural landscape.
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