Trapt drummer Michael Smith has confirmed his departure from the band over ongoing personal and political disagreements.

These past few years have seen Trapt make headlines for, well, literally the only thing a past-their-prime nu-metal act could be making headlines for in this era; espousing controversial political views.

The band’s frontman Chris Taylor Brown was an outspoken MAGA-bro over the course of Donald Trump’s presidency. Taking to social media to deliver a number of controversial hot takes spanning everything from alleging election fraud on behalf of the Biden campaign, supporting the firing of physician Anthony Fauci, denouncing the Black Lives Matter movement, and inviting the far-right extremist group Proud Boys to Trapt’s concert.

It’s been an embarrassing and corny display to witness, so it comes as no real surprise that Trapt’s drummer has reached his threshold. Michael Smith took to Instagram today to confirm that he has made the “bittersweet” decision to step down from the band.

“After playing drums for Trapt for the past couple years, I have decided to step down from the band,” he wrote. “This is definitely a bittersweet decision. There have been some ongoing issues (primarily political) throughout 2020 that many of you may know about, others may not. If you’re curious, it’s just a google search away.

“I respect everyone’s right to have an opinion on politics. But at the end of the day, I am a musician and my job is to play and create music. So that is what I plan on doing.”

He continued, “As I still communicate and have great relationships with the guys in the band, I will only speak for myself. The stances taken, and publicity received as a result are not representative of myself. Not as an individual, nor fitting or aligned with my personal morals and beliefs. I do not agree with how certain things have been handled towards our fans and the music community who I have such an immense respect for.

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“I would not be able to have a career in music and/or be fortunate enough to sustain my livelihood without the amazing support of everybody involved (from fans to venue staff, to musician peers, etc.) So thank you to those out there who have been a part of supporting and enabling me to use my gifts and talents, and allowing me to press forward in my musical journey.”