Full Breakdown
Rolling Stones' New Album *Foreign Tongues* Targets America’s Current Discontent
7/6/2026, 8:08:54 PM
Album Release and “Ringing Hollow”
The Rolling Stones’ 25th studio album, *Foreign Tongues*, is slated for release in early June 2026, though some outlets list July 10. Guest appearances include Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Bruno Mars and Chad Smith, plus a cover of Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good”. Guitarist Keith Richards says the track “Ringing Hollow” is a nostalgic love affair with America that now feels a bit of a disappointment at the moment.
Historical Context: Past Trump Clashes
The Stones have repeatedly confronted former President Donald Trump over unauthorized use of their songs. In May 2016 they sent a cease-and-desist letter after Trump played “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” at a rally, and in 2020 they warned of possible litigation through Broadcast Music, Inc. Mick Jagger publicly rebuked Trump in 2019, citing the president’s rudeness, false statements and attacks on environmental regulations.
Main Voices: Richards and Jagger
Guitarist Keith Richards, a Connecticut resident since 1985, describes “Ringing Hollow” as a love-letter to America that now feels let down. Frontman Mick Jagger frames the song as reflecting “America generally and your experiences of it,” noting both the persistence of the American Dream for some and concerns about imperial overreach and lobbying.
Political & Cultural Significance
Richards said the public is constantly hearing complaints about gas prices, which he described as the point where people feel the most pain. Jagger noted that environmental safeguards have been rolled back to the extent that they are effectively being eliminated, and he referenced a lyric depicting “Lady Liberty” with a torn gown, underscoring anxieties over social unrest, climate policy reversals and perceived U.S. imperial decline.
Official Statements
Richards said he feels compelled to “live in a bunker” amid turmoil; Jagger stressed the song reflects broader American experiences, not a sole Trump critique.
Criticism & Opposition
Some observers label “Ringing Hollow” an anti-Trump track, but the band has not confirmed a direct target, prompting debate.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the album’s release date—June 10 versus July 10. Full lyrics of “Ringing Hollow” remain unreleased, leaving uncertainty about explicit references to Trump.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All you hear is the moaning about the price of gas. This is where it hurts people.” — Keith Richards, guitarist
- “nostalgic love affair with America, and (it being) a bit of a disappointment at the moment.” — Keith Richards
- “The American Dream is intact for some people, and I’m sure we can find some wonderful immigrant stories that happened in the last 12 months, but we read about the decline of the American Empire,” — Mick Jagger, frontman
- “The US should be the world leader in environmental control but now it has decided to go the other way.” — Mick Jagger
What’s Next
*Foreign Tongues* will launch on the announced date, prompting media and fan reactions to the band’s political commentary. Observers will watch for further statements or legal actions if Trump’s campaign continues using Stones’ catalog.
