Bruce Springsteen’s Bold Comments on Trump: Why He Believes the Republic Is at Risk

On May 16, 2025, Donald Trump took a moment from his duties to unleash a rant against Bruce Springsteen, who had criticized him at the start of his 2025 European tour. In Trump’s post, he called Springsteen "dumb as a rock" and accused him of being out of touch. Just three days later, he again targeted Springsteen, linking him to Kamala Harris and questioning the ethics of accepting money for performances during her campaign.

While Trump’s accusations are filled with inaccuracies, they ignore a well-established fact: Springsteen has been a vocal critic of Trump since the 2016 election. His commentary on Trump spans several years, providing insight into his views on politics and democracy.

In a 2016 interview with Rolling Stone, Springsteen said that “the republic is under siege by a moron.” He expressed concern over the ideas Trump was normalizing—such as white nationalism—and warned that they posed a serious threat to democracy.

As the election season unfolded, Springsteen did not hold back. Speaking in Europe, he mentioned how many felt ignored and turned to Trump as a voice. Yet, he labeled Trump a “conman” who was deceiving these voters.

In November 2016, as Election Day approached, Springsteen performed at a Hillary Clinton rally. He depicted Trump as someone with little regard for American values, criticizing his lack of decency and self-centered worldview.

Springsteen continued to voice his concerns during his Springsteen on Broadway performances, subtly referencing Trump while discussing divisive issues in America. He noted that some leaders were trying to “destroy the idea of America for all,” highlighting how anger and division were resurfacing in society.

Fast forward to 2020, and while promoting his album, Letter To You, he urged for change, stating that the “power of the American idea has been abandoned.” He believed getting Joe Biden into office would help restore America’s standing in the world.

In an interview on his SiriusXM show during the pandemic, Springsteen described a nation hypnotized by Trump, labeling it “the greatest threat to democracy in my lifetime.” He emphasized the polarization and confusion plaguing the country.

As Trump declared his 2024 candidacy, Springsteen didn’t shy away from taking a stand. He publicly endorsed Kamala Harris, warning that Trump’s actions threatened the very essence of America. His message was clear: "He doesn’t understand the meaning of this country."

In 2025, after the election, Springsteen remained outspoken. On his tour, he condemned the Trump administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous,” rallying fans to defend democracy.

His views resonate with many who see art as a reflection of society. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, a significant number of Americans feel that celebrities have a responsibility to speak out on political issues. Springsteen’s willingness to engage speaks volumes about his values and the power of music in activism.

Springsteen’s long-standing critique of Trump illustrates how musicians can play a vital role in political discourse, influencing public opinion and encouraging civic engagement—an important reminder that the echo of their lyrics often extends far beyond the stage.

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Bruce Springsteen,Donald Trump