Manchester, England — Tensions escalated on social media following comments by Bruce Springsteen, who sharply criticized former President Donald Trump during a recent concert. Kicking off his latest tour, Springsteen labeled Trump’s administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous,” venting his displeasure with the political climate in the United States.
During a passionate performance, Springsteen told the audience that Trump leads “a rogue government” unfit for the presidency. He lamented the willingness of wealthy individuals to neglect the world’s most vulnerable populations, highlighting the suffering faced by children and American workers alike. The iconic musician denounced the administration’s alliances, suggesting that it favors dictators over allies who fight for freedom.
In response, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to disparage the rocker, referring to him as “highly overrated” and “not a talented guy.” He criticized Springsteen’s political views, indicating that he believed the musician lacked insight into the realities of American politics. “This dried out ‘prune’ of a rocker ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country,” Trump remarked, seemingly taking offense to Springsteen’s critique.
The former president’s comments on Springsteen followed earlier disparaging remarks about another artist, Taylor Swift, whom he claimed was no longer “HOT” after previously expressing admiration for her. Swift’s political endorsements, particularly her support for Kamala Harris, seem to have alienated Trump, who previously praised her talent.
Springsteen has been a vocal supporter of Democratic candidates, including Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and Harris, using his platform to influence political discourse through his music. Following Springsteen’s remarks, he is set to continue his tour with a performance in Manchester, where attendees appreciated a poignant rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom,” a choice that resonated deeply with the audience’s sentiments.
Meanwhile, Swift is maintaining a quieter public presence after achieving significant success with her Eras tour—the highest-grossing tour in history. Fans eagerly await the re-release of her album “Reputation,” a part of her ongoing project to re-record previous works, though no release date has yet been confirmed.
Both artists have yet to respond to Trump’s tirades, leaving fans to speculate on the potential fallout from this unexpected exchange between music and politics. The ongoing dialogue reflects the complex interplay between celebrity influence and political activism, a theme that continues to shape public discourse in the United States.