Bruce Springsteen made headlines around the world after delivering a politically charged message during his concert in Manchester on May 14, 2025. Known affectionately as “The Boss,” Springsteen took a moment between songs to address what he described as a growing threat to democracy, harshly criticizing former President Donald Trump and his political movement.
His words were met with a mix of cheers, boos, and online debate, as he called Trump’s administration “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous.” Springsteen urged the thousands in attendance to stand up against authoritarianism and support leaders who genuinely value freedom, fairness, and democratic principles.
The 74-year-old rock legend did not mince words. “We’ve been down a dangerous road,” he said. “The past few years have tested the very soul of our democracy. We’ve seen lies passed as truth, justice ignored, and power abused. And I say, enough is enough.” He called on the audience not to be passive spectators but to engage actively in the fight to protect democratic values. “Freedom isn’t something you’re handed,” he added. “It’s something you earn, every day, by standing up and speaking out.”
Springsteen has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump since his first presidential campaign in 2016. During the 2024 election cycle, he voiced strong support for Tim Walz and Kamala Harris, aligning himself with their message of unity, competence, and democratic integrity. He labeled Trump “the most dangerous candidate for president in American history,” and reiterated those concerns in Manchester, warning of what he sees as an increasing drift toward authoritarianism in American politics.
Not all fans took kindly to Springsteen’s statements. A number of concertgoers voiced their disapproval, with some shouting back at the stage or taking to social media afterward to express frustration. Critics labeled him “clueless” and “out of touch,” with some going as far as to suggest he should “leave the country” if he disagreed so strongly with its politics. The backlash echoed a familiar sentiment heard by celebrities who step into political discourse, with detractors urging entertainers to “stick to music.”
However, many others applauded Springsteen for using his platform to speak truth to power. Supporters praised his courage and his unwavering commitment to social justice, pointing out that his music has always reflected the struggles and hopes of ordinary people. “Born in the U.S.A.” and “The Rising” are just two of the many songs in his catalog that speak to American identity, sacrifice, and resilience. For these fans, Springsteen’s words were not a departure from his art—they were a natural extension of it.
Springsteen’s comments come shortly after actor Robert De Niro gave a fiery speech at the Cannes Film Festival, also condemning Trump and urging public vigilance in defending democratic institutions. Like Springsteen, De Niro has been a long-time critic of Trump’s leadership and has used high-profile events to encourage civic engagement and resistance against authoritarian trends.
Together, Springsteen and De Niro represent a growing chorus of prominent figures warning of the dangers they believe Trump poses to American democracy—reminding audiences that silence is not an option when freedom is at stake.
