Springsteen Speaks Out Against Trump Administration
Bruce Springsteen didn’t hold back during the opening night of his “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour in Manchester on May 14, 2025. The “Born in the U.S.A.” singer delivered a fiery speech aimed squarely at former President Donald Trump. He has long supported Trump’s political opponents and openly backed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 election.
A Bold Statement on Stage
On stage with the E Street Band, Springsteen condemned the current leadership.
“In my home, the America I love… is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration,” he declared.
He then urged the crowd to take a stand:
“Rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring.”
His Political Stand
Springsteen didn’t just speak out. He actively supported Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the last election. He saw their ticket as a path forward through a deeply divided time in American history.
Despite Trump’s victory, Springsteen continues to call for unity. He believes the U.S. can reclaim the values that once held it together—freedom, justice, and equal opportunity.
America’s Identity at Stake
To Springsteen, America’s strength lies in its ideals, not just its military or economy. He condemned Trump as:
“The most dangerous candidate for president I’ve seen in my lifetime.”
He cited Trump’s disregard for the Constitution, rule of law, and peaceful power transfer as reasons he should never hold office again.
Bruce Springsteen performs during the first night of his “The Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on May 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
Praise for Harris and Walz
In contrast, he described Harris and Walz as inclusive leaders:
“They respect everyone—no matter your class, religion, race, politics, or identity.”
Springsteen said their vision matched the one he’s written about for over five decades.
A Personal Commitment
Springsteen closed by affirming every American’s right to their political view. But he made his position clear:
“My vote—one of the most valuable things I own—goes to Harris and Walz.”
Even after the election, he continues to speak out, urging Americans to reflect on shared values.
Donald Trump and JD Vance arrive for a ceremony with the College Football Playoff National Champions Ohio State Buckeyes on the South Lawn of the White House on April 14, 2025 | Source: Getty Images
De Niro Joins the Chorus at Cannes
One day earlier, actor Robert De Niro reignited the political conversation at the Cannes Film Festival.
On May 13, while accepting an honorary Palme d’Or, he shifted from gratitude to critique. De Niro used his platform to call out Trump and his policies directly.
Warning from the World Stage
“In my country, we are fighting like [expletive] for the democracy we once took for granted,” De Niro told the audience.
He emphasized how democracy and the arts go hand-in-hand:
“That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists.”
Criticism of Trump’s Cultural Moves
De Niro slammed Trump’s recent appointment as head of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
He also condemned proposed policies:
“He has cut funding to the arts and now announced a 100% tariff on foreign films.”
Pausing for effect, he told the crowd:
“Let that sink in.”
A Call for Global Action
De Niro closed with urgency:
“All these attacks are unacceptable. This isn’t just an American problem—it’s a global one.”
Then, with resolve, he urged:
“We can’t just sit back and watch. We have to act—peacefully, passionately, and now.”
