Having backed his opponent in the 2024 elections, the singer of “Born in the U.S.A.” is among the few cultural icons to publicly criticise the Trump government.
At a Manchester event on May 14, Bruce Springsteen gave an impassioned statement against Donald Trump and his government. The criticism came quickly, with some supporters even saying he ought to leave the nation.
On May 14, 2025, Bruce Springsteen plays at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on the opening night of his “The Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour | Source: Getty Images
The singer made the comments while performing live in Manchester as part of the opening act for the E Street Band’s “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour.
“In my home, the America I love, the America I’ve written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration,” Springsteen said to the audience during the performance.
“We ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experiment to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring,” he said as a rallying cry.
Fans immediately responded to Bruce Springsteen’s comments on the internet, offering both sides of the debate. One admirer said, “You can’t criticise your president in front of a foreign audience,” seemingly perplexed by the decision. The reason the model doesn’t work is beyond me.
One person criticised him, saying, “Dude is clueless,” while another said, “Would never do that in America [sic].”
One fan said, “Has he lost his mind????” as the criticism persisted. and another, “Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” with a hint of cynicism. Some even said that it was time for Bruce to move on. Bring your pessimism along.
On May 14, 2025, Bruce Springsteen plays at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on the opening night of his “The Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour | Source: Getty Images
Not everyone was critical, though. As one admirer put it, “Wonderful words – thank you, Bruce!” “I love Bruce and his heartfelt rants,” said another fan, echoing that view. I hope more artists will come forward.
On May 14, 2025, Bruce Springsteen plays at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on the opening night of his “The Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour | Source: Getty Images
Springsteen declared his support for Tim Walz and Kamala Harris in the 2024 race, arguing that they were the most qualified candidates to guide the nation through what he called one of the most important periods in its history. He made it clear that he passionately opposed both Vice President JD Vance and Trump.
In his reflections on the state of the country, Springsteen said that since the Civil War, the US had not seemed so emotionally, politically, and spiritually divided. Nevertheless, he thought that America might reunite and restore the common ideals and shared history that previously characterised the country.
On May 14, 2025, Bruce Springsteen plays at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on the opening night of his “The Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour | Source: Getty Images
He admitted that it would require time, intelligence, hard effort, faith, and men and women who have the interests of the country at heart.
According to Springsteen, America’s real might extended beyond its economic and military prowess. He believed that the nation’s fundamental principles—freedom, social fairness, equal opportunity, and the unrestricted right to love—were what gave it its strength.
On March 26, 2025, Bruce Springsteen performs at Carnegie Hall in New York City as part of Michael Dorf’s “People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith” | Source: Getty Images
He called Trump the “most dangerous presidential candidate” he has ever seen. “He should never be allowed to serve as president again because of his contempt for the sanctity of our Constitution, democracy, the rule of law, and the peaceful transition of power,” Springsteen said.
The artist contended that Donald Trump was unable to understand the history, the spirit of the country, or what it meant to be an American.
On April 14, 2025, Donald Trump and JD Vance arrive on the White House’s South Lawn for a celebration with the Ohio State Buckeyes, the College Football Playoff National Champions | Source: Getty Images
However, Tim Walz and Kamala Harris are dedicated to a vision of this nation that values and embraces all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, political beliefs, class, religion, or race. They also want to expand our economy so that everyone benefits, not just the elite like me. “I’ve been writing about that vision of America for the past 55 years,” Springsteen said.
On October 28, 2024, Tim Walz and Kamala Harris wave to the crowd at a rally at Burns Park in Ann Arbour | Source: Getty Images
He concluded by stating that each American had the right to choose their own political position. Nevertheless, he declared that Harris and Walz would receive his vote, which he regarded as one of his most prized assets.
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Springsteen has not backed down from utilising his voice, despite the fact that Trump ended up winning the election and his favourite candidates lost.
He keeps speaking out against what he sees as the threats posed by Trump and his government, asking people to consider the principles that once bound the country together.
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Actor Robert De Niro had already sparked political controversy with a daring speech at the Cannes Film Festival before Springsteen’s remarks made news. Using his stage time to express gratitude, the celebrated actor accepted an honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime accomplishment on May 13. Reflections about his career were interspersed with scathing political criticism, specifically directed at Trump, by De Niro.
On May 13, 2025, in France, Honouree Robert De Niro enters the stage at the opening ceremony of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais de Festival. Getty Images is the source.
Leonardo DiCaprio, who starred in “Titanic,” gave the honour to the movie star. Fourteen years have passed since De Niro presided over the jury at the esteemed film festival in 2011.
De Niro discussed US political trends in his acceptance speech, mentioning Trump in particular.
On May 13, 2025, in France, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro attended the opening ceremony of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Grand Theatre Lumiere | Source: Getty Images
“We are fighting like [expletive] for the democracy we once took for granted in my country,” he said. “That impacts everyone here because the arts are democratic,” he continued.
“That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists,” De Niro said, emphasising the link between democratic values and the arts.
On May 13, 2025, at the opening ceremony of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais de Festival in France, Robert De Niro accepts the honorary Palme d’Or onstage. Getty Images is the source.
He went on to discuss the recent nomination and policy plans of the US president. In reference to the POTUS’s appointment as chair of the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, De Niro remarked, “America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions.”
On May 12, 2025, in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump addresses a press conference in the White House’s Roosevelt Room. Getty Images is the source.
“He has cut funding and support to the arts, humanities, and education, and now he has announced a 100 percent tariff on films that are produced outside the US,” the “Goodfellas” alumnus said in response to the introduction of new tariffs by the 47th US president.
“Let that sink in for a minute,” he said to the audience after a lengthy silence.
On May 13, 2025, in France, Robert De Niro speaks onstage at the opening ceremony of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais de Festival | Source: Getty Images
De Niro called the situation intolerable and called for international action. “All of these assaults are intolerable. And this is a worldwide issue, not just an American one,” he stated.
He issued a call to action as he concluded this section of his address. We can’t just sit back and watch it like a movie. We must take action, and we must do it quickly, passionately, and resolutely—without resorting to violence. Anyone who values liberty should organise, demonstrate, and, of course, cast a ballot in elections.
Social media users responded to De Niro’s remarks in a variety of ways, as was to be expected. The passion of his statement was conveyed in a number of comments on TikTok.
Someone commented, “Who hurt him?” “A man with courage,” said another participant. “Words are powerful when spoken with conviction,” remarked a third.
On May 13, 2025, in France, Robert De Niro is seen onstage at the opening ceremony of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais de Festival. Getty Images is the source.
On Facebook, however, opinions differed greatly. “Very well said,” one internet user commented. strong speech. “Shame on him,” said another.
In response, someone else said, “This guy is insane.” One person wrote, “So disrespectful [sic],” while another said, “Out of touch completely [sic].”
Supporting comments were also made, such as “Very well spoken by Mr. DeNiro.” We must fight back and treat this seriously. But criticism persisted, with one person saying, “He is a joke.”
On May 13, 2025, Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro were photographed at the Grand Theatre Lumiere in France during the opening ceremony of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival. Getty Images is the source.
Before the ceremony, De Niro talked about his feelings about being honoured. “I feel so strongly about the Festival de Cannes,” he said. In a time when so much in the world is tearing us apart, Cannes unites us as friends, fans, filmmakers, and storytellers. It feels like home.
On May 13, 2025, Robert De Niro posed for a picture during the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals in France | Source: Getty Images
Tiffany Chen, his 45-year-old girlfriend, walked beside him on the red carpet. His daughter, Helen Grace, was also with the pair.
On May 13, 2025, Robert De Niro and Tiffany Chen walk the red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival in France at the Palais des Festivals. Getty Images is the source.
In December 2011, a surrogate gave birth to his daughter. People magazine was informed at the time by De Niro’s agent that he and his then-wife, Grace Hightower, had given birth to a daughter.
Helen Grace De Niro, Robert De Niro, and Tiffany Chen walk the red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2025, in France at the Palais des Festivals | Source: Getty Images
She is the second child of the ex-couple, following her older brother Elliot, and weighed 7 pounds, 2 ounces at birth.
At the time of Helen’s birth, De Niro was also the father of four other children: twin sons Julian and Aaron, born through surrogacy with his ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith, and daughter Drena and son Raphael with his ex-wife Diahnne Abbott.