The “Born in the U.S.A.” singer, who backed his opponent in the 2024 elections, is among the few public icons to publicly criticise the Trump administration.
In a scathing statement at a Manchester concert on May 14, Bruce Springsteen attacked Donald Trump and his government. The criticism came quickly; some admirers even suggested that he should leave the nation.
At Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on May 14, 2025, Bruce Springsteen performs on the opening night of his “The Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour | Source: Getty Images
While launching his “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour with the E Street Band in Manchester, the singer made the comments live.
“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 in my home,” Springsteen said to the audience during the performance.
Then he issued a rallying cry: “Tonight, 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.”
Online admirers quickly responded to Bruce Springsteen’s comments, offering both sides of the debate. The decision appeared perplexing to one admirer, who said, “You can’t criticise your president in front of a foreign audience.” I don’t know why the model isn’t reliable.
“Would never do that in America [sic],” said one, while another criticised him, saying, “Dude is clueless.”
As the criticism persisted, one admirer questioned, “Has he lost his mind????” “Looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed,” said another, with a hint of sarcasm. Some even suggested, “Bruce, it’s time to move on.” Don’t bring your negativity along.
At Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on May 14, 2025, Bruce Springsteen performs on the opening night of his “The Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour | Source: Getty Images
Not everyone, however, was critical. “Wonderful words – thank you, Bruce!” exclaimed one admirer. Another admirer agreed, saying, “I adore Bruce and his passionate tirades. I hope more artists will take the stage.
At Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on May 14, 2025, Bruce Springsteen performs on the opening night of his “The Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour | Source: Getty Images
In order to position Tim Walz and Kamala Harris as the most qualified candidates to guide the nation through what he called one of the most pivotal periods in its history, Springsteen declared his support for them in the 2024 election. He made it clear that he was adamantly opposed to both Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
As he considered the current status of the country, Springsteen said that the US had not experienced such political, emotional, and spiritual division since the Civil War. Nevertheless, he thought that togetherness was achievable and that America might regain the common ideals and shared history that formerly characterised it.
At Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on May 14, 2025, Bruce Springsteen performs on the opening night of his “The Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour | Source: Getty Images
“That will require time, diligence, intelligence, faith, and men and women with the national good at the forefront of their hearts,” he said.
America’s real power, Springsteen underlined, extended beyond its economic and military prowess. He believed that freedom, social fairness, equal opportunity, and the unrestricted right to love were the fundamental principles that gave the nation its strength.
Bruce Springsteen on stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City on March 26, 2025, at Michael Dorf’s presentation of “People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith” | Source: Getty Images
In his lifetime, he said, Trump was the “most dangerous candidate for president.” Springsteen proclaimed, “His disrespect for the sanctity of our Constitution, democracy, the rule of law, and the peaceful transition of power should disqualify him from the office of president ever again.”
Donald Trump, according to the artist, did not understand the history, the spirit of the country, or what it meant to be an American.
On the South Lawn of the White House on April 14, 2025, Donald Trump and JD Vance arrive for a celebration with the Ohio State Buckeyes, the College Football Playoff National Champions | Source: Getty Images
“On the other hand, Tim Walz and Kamala Harris are dedicated to a vision of this nation that values and embraces everyone, irrespective of sexual orientation, political beliefs, religion, class, or race. They also want to expand our economy so that everyone benefits, not just the elite like me. For fifty-five years, I have been writing about that idea of America,” Springsteen said.
At a rally on October 28, 2024, at Burns Park in Ann Arbour, Tim Walz and Kamala Harris wave to the crowd | Source: Getty Images
He acknowledged that each American has the right to choose their own political position as he concluded his remarks. He did, however, state that Harris and Walz would receive his vote, which he regarded as one of his most prized assets.
Despite the fact that Trump won the election in the end and Springsteen’s favourite candidates lost, the musician has not stopped utilising his voice.
He calls on Americans to consider the principles that once bound the country together and keeps speaking out about what he sees as the threats posed by Trump and his administration.
With a daring speech at the Cannes Film Festival, actor Robert De Niro had already rekindled political debate before Springsteen’s remarks made headlines. The celebrated actor used his stage time to express thanks beyond gratitude as he accepted an honorary Palme d’Or for lifetime accomplishment on May 13. De Niro combined personal reflections on his career with scathing political criticism that was specifically directed at Trump.
At the opening ceremony of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival, held on May 13, 2025, at the Palais de Festival in France, honouree Robert De Niro enters the stage. Source: Getty Images
The “Titanic” actor Leonardo DiCaprio gave the honour to the film star. The honour comes fourteen years after De Niro presided over the jury at the esteemed film festival in 2011.
In his victory speech, De Niro discussed US political events, mentioning Trump in particular.
Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival’s opening ceremony on May 13, 2025, at the Grand Theatre Lumiere in France | Source: Getty Images
According to him, “We are fighting like [expletive] for the democracy we once took for granted in my country.” “Because the arts are democratic, that impacts all of us here,” he continued.
De Niro highlighted the link between democratic values and the arts, saying, “That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists.”
On May 13, 2025, in France, Robert De Niro accepts the honorary Palme d’Or onstage at the opening ceremony of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais de Festival. Source: Getty Images
He went on to discuss the recent appointment of the US president and his proposed policies. De Niro remarked, “America’s philistine president has had himself appointed head of one of our premier cultural institutions,” alluding to the president’s appointment as chair of the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts.
On May 12, 2025, President Donald Trump addresses a press conference in the White House’s Roosevelt Room in Washington, D.C. Source: Getty Images
Along with criticising the introduction of additional tariffs, the “Goodfellas” alum said, “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.”
He paused for a moment before saying, “Give it a minute to sink in.”
Speaking onstage at the opening ceremony of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2025, in France at the Palais de Festival | Source: Getty Images
De Niro demanded action outside of the United States, calling the situation intolerable. “These insults are all intolerable. He added, “This is a worldwide issue, not just an American one.
He made a call to action to wrap up this section of his address. Like a movie, we can’t merely watch it from a distance. We must act, and we must act now with fervour and resolve, but without resorting to violence. Anyone who values liberty should begin organising, protesting, and, of course, casting their ballot when elections are held.
De Niro’s address elicited a wide spectrum of responses on social media, as was to be expected. Several comments on TikTok encapsulated the ferocity of his statement.
A commenter asked, “Who hurt him?” “A man with courage,” said another. “When spoken with conviction, words have great power,” remarked a third.
Onstage during the opening ceremony of the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2025, at the Palais de Festival in France, is Robert De Niro. Source: Getty Images
Facebook, meanwhile, saw a wide range of viewpoints. A netizen said, “Very well said.” Strong speech. “Shame on him,” said someone else.
Another person responded, “This guy is crazy.” Completely out of touch [sic], yet someone else said, “So disrespectful [sic].”
Additionally, there were encouraging comments, such as “Very well spoken by Mr. DeNiro.” We must take this seriously and defend ourselves. But the criticism didn’t stop there; one person said, “He is a joke.”
Pictured at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival’s opening ceremony on May 13, 2025, at the Grand Theatre Lumiere in France, are Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro. Source: Getty Images
De Niro discussed his feelings about getting the honour in the run-up to the occasion. “The Festival de Cannes holds such special meaning for me,” he said. “In particular, at a time when so much in the world is tearing us apart, Cannes unites us as filmmakers, storytellers, fans, and friends.” It’s like to returning home.
Posing during the photo call at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 13, 2025, in France at the Palais des Festivals | Source: Getty Images
His 45-year-old girlfriend, Tiffany Chen, walked beside him on the red carpet. Helen Grace, his daughter, was also with the pair.
Tiffany Chen and Robert De Niro 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
In December 2011, his daughter was born through surrogacy. De Niro’s agent at the time told People magazine that he and his ex-wife, Grace Hightower, had given birth to a daughter.
On May 13, 2025, in France, Tiffany Chen, Robert De Niro, and Helen Grace De Niro walk the red carpet at the 78th annual Cannes Film Festival at the Palais des Festivals | Source: Getty Images
She joined her older brother, Elliot, as the second child of the ex-couple, weighing 7 pounds, 2 ounces at delivery.
De Niro had four other children at the time of Helen’s birth: twin sons Julian and Aaron, born via surrogacy with ex-girlfriend Toukie Smith, and a daughter Drena and son Raphael with his ex-wife Diahnne Abbott.
