Rock Band Closes Out Coachella Set With Anti-American Propaganda Video Targeting the CIA and U.S. Military

Leave it to a group of privileged rock stars to use one of the biggest music stages in the world to push anti-American propaganda.

The Strokes closed out their Coachella Weekend 2 set on Saturday night with a multi-minute video montage that accused the CIA of overthrowing foreign governments, blamed the U.S. for the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., and ended with footage of American military strikes in Iran and Israeli operations in Gaza. The band played their 2016 track “Oblivius” for the first time in a decade while the massive LED screens behind them did the talking.

This wasn’t some subtle artistic statement. This was a full-blown political attack on the United States, broadcast to tens of thousands of festival-goers and millions watching at home. And the clips are now going viral, racking up millions of views on social media.

The New York Post reported on the immediate backlash:

Coachella stars The Strokes is blasted for shocking political video during performance: ‘Holy s-t’ https://t.co/ASTjpBuyOw pic.twitter.com/ku2VvyQqDR

— New York Post (@nypost) April 19, 2026

The video montage displayed images of world leaders The Strokes claimed were overthrown by the CIA. The list included Iranian PM Mohammad Mosaddegh in 1953, Guatemalan President Jacobo Arbenz in 1954, Congolese PM Patrice Lumumba in 1961, Chilean President Salvador Allende in 1973, and Bolivian President Juan Jose Torres in 1976.

Then it got worse.

An image of Martin Luther King Jr. appeared on screen with the caption: “US Govt found guilty of his murder in civil trial.” That claim references a 1999 civil case, but a 2000 Department of Justice review found no credible evidence of government involvement. So The Strokes are pushing a debunked conspiracy theory to a massive audience. Wonderful.

The grand finale? Footage of U.S. military strikes in Iran with the caption “Over 30 universities destroyed in Iran,” followed by a building in Gaza being demolished with “Last university standing in Gaza” splashed across the screen.

Fox News had more details on the performance:

The Strokes appeared to take aim at the U.S. government during Coachella weekend two, ending their set with a politically charged video montage that referenced alleged CIA-backed regime change overseas, the death of Martin Luther King Jr. and bombings in Gaza and Iran.

The American rock band concluded their main stage performance on Saturday night with their 2016 song “Oblivius” as imagery played on the screens behind them.

Frontman Julian Casablancas has previously criticized U.S. foreign policy. In November 2024, he posted that he declined voting, stating the parties are “a horrible lie” and that voting choices ultimately support “military and oil companies and banks.”

So the guy who couldn’t even be bothered to vote is now lecturing America about foreign policy from a festival stage in the California desert. That tracks.

Naturally, the far left loved every second of it. Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello was quick to celebrate:

The Strokes raging against the machine at Coachella. Salute! https://t.co/AYyukugAdV

— Tom Morello (@tmorello) April 19, 2026

Of course Tom Morello is applauding. The same crowd that has spent years defending Iran’s regime and downplaying Hamas terrorism now has a new favorite concert moment to share on Instagram.

What makes this even more outrageous is the timing. American service members are actively deployed in the Middle East. The U.S. Navy just seized an Iranian cargo ship days ago. And The Strokes thought this was the perfect moment to paint America as the villain.

NBC News confirmed that Coachella organizers appeared to be fully prepared for the stunt and have stayed silent:

The Strokes wrap up their Coachella set by using the festival’s massive onstage LED screens to display a political protest against foreign interventions by the U.S.

Coachella organizers have not issued a public statement on the set and did not immediately respond to a request…

— NBC News (@NBCNews) April 20, 2026

Variety reported on the broader context of the performance:

The montage made several political assertions, including historical allegations that the CIA orchestrated government overthrows across South America and accused the U.S. government of involvement in civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination.

A caption stated: “US govt found guilty of his murder in civil trial,” referencing a 1999 trial, though the Justice Department later declared no supporting evidence existed.

Fan reactions on social media proved largely positive, with supporters thanking the band for highlighting Gaza and Iran. Singer Julian Casablancas had previously signed a 2021 “Musicians for Palestine” letter.

The Strokes have a new album called “Reality Awaits” dropping in June. Apparently the “reality” they’re promoting involves rewriting history, pushing debunked conspiracy theories, and giving cover to hostile foreign regimes while American troops are in harm’s way. Coachella used to be about the music.