Pearl Jam have responded to accusations of “extremism” following the release of their controversial new artwork that depicts the rotting corpse of President Donald Trump.

The poster was designed by bassist Jeff Ament and artist Bobby Brown ahead of a planned concert in Missoula, Montana. The artwork appears to show the White House burning and Trump’s body rotting in the grounds.

The work saw Republican politician Matt Rosendale describe the poster as “disgusting and reprehensible”.

He added “It’s time for @JonTester to denounce this act of violence and blatant display of extremism”, amid his plans to oust Tester as Senator.

Now, the band have responded to the criticism. Citing the First Amendment, bassist Ament refutes the “extremism” claims: “The role of artists is to make people think and feel, and the current administration has us thinking and feeling,” Ament told Rolling Stone.

“I was the sole conceptualist of this poster, and I welcome all interpretations and discourse. Love, from the First Amendment, Jeff Ament.”