Bruce Springsteen’s latest overseas performance made waves far beyond the stage—and not just for the music. During his Manchester show on Wednesday, “The Boss” paused to share a passionate statement about the current state of American politics, directly criticizing what he described as a “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration.” The moment, captured and shared widely online, quickly drew the ire of former President Donald Trump, who fired back with a scathing message on his social platform.
But Springsteen didn’t stand alone for long.
In a rare and powerful move, the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) issued a formal statement in support of Springsteen—and fellow artist Taylor Swift, who has also recently faced political attacks from Trump and his allies. The union, which represents tens of thousands of professional musicians across the country, made it clear that artists have the right—and responsibility—to speak out.
“Musicians are not just entertainers. They are citizens, storytellers, and voices of conscience,” the AFM said in its release. “Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift have long used their platforms to advocate for justice, democracy, and dignity for all people. We stand firmly with them against any attempt to silence or intimidate them.”
Springsteen’s speech struck a nerve with both supporters and critics. In it, he spoke of an America he loves—an America that has stood for liberty for 250 years but, in his words, is now threatened by authoritarianism. “They’re rolling back historic civil rights legislation,” he warned, “abandoning our great allies, and siding with dictators against those struggling for their freedom.”
Trump’s response was swift and inflammatory. “Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a Foreign Country to speak badly about the President of the United States,” he wrote. “Never liked him, never liked his music… he’s not a talented guy — just a pushy, obnoxious JERK.” He also doubled down on attacks against President Biden, once again referring to him as “Crooked Joe” and “a mentally incompetent FOOL.”
In its statement, the musicians’ union pushed back against what it called “unprofessional and dangerous rhetoric,” adding, “Dissent is not disloyalty. And when our country’s values are under threat, it is often the artists who sound the alarm first.”
Taylor Swift, who was not mentioned by Springsteen but has been the target of political jabs herself, was praised in the same AFM statement for “courageously encouraging civic participation among young voters” and “defending reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and the integrity of our democratic process.”
As political divisions deepen, musicians continue to step into the fray—risking backlash to stand up for what they believe. And as this latest controversy shows, they’re not backing down.
Because in the words of Bruce Springsteen: “Let freedom ring.”
