'President can't handle truth...': Bruce Springsteen slams Trump during concert
What's the story
Legendary musician Bruce Springsteen has kicked off his 2026 Land of Hope and Dreams tour with a political statement. During the opening night in Minneapolis, he took aim at US President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and the "richest men in America." The remarks were similar to those he made at the recent No Kings rally and other events over the past year.
Tour launch
'We are living through some very dark times'
Springsteen began his speech with a grim assessment of the current state of America. "We are living through some very dark times," he said. "Our American values that have sustained us for 250 years are being challenged as never before." He also condemned the ongoing war: "We've got our young men and women's lives at risk in an unconstitutional and illegal war," and highlighted the plight of immigrants facing deportation without due process.
Criticism
Springsteen slams Bondi for prosecuting Trump's 'perceived enemies'
Springsteen also criticized the current administration for its handling of justice and foreign relations. "Our Justice Department has completely abdicated its independence, and our Attorney General Pam Bondi takes her marching orders straight from a corrupt White House," he said. He accused Bondi of prosecuting Trump's "perceived enemies" while covering up for his misdeeds. The musician also spoke about the abandonment of NATO and US aid to the world's poorest children.
Administration's legacy
'You want to talk about snowflakes?'
Springsteen further slammed Trump's administration for its perceived threats to allies and the whitewashing of American history in museums. "You want to talk about snowflakes? We have a president who can't handle the truth," he said. He also accused Trump and his family of enriching themselves at the expense of working Americans, calling it "corruption unmatched in American history."
Call to action
'Join us and let's fight for the America we love'
Springsteen ended his speech with a passionate call to action. "So many of our elected leaders have failed us that this American tragedy can only be stopped by the American people," he said. "So join us and let's fight for the America that we love." The musician repeated this last line several times, urging his audience to stand up for their country.
Anticipated criticism
'My job is very simple,' said Springsteen earlier
Before the tour began, Springsteen told Minneapolis Star-News that he was ready for any negative feedback from conservatives about its political nature. "My job is very simple: I do what I want to do, I say what I want to say, and then people get to say what they want to say about it," he said. He added that he's committed to this idea of the band despite any potential backlash.