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Bruce Springsteen again found clear words against former US President Donald Trump on Saturday (May 17th) in Manchester. During his “Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour, the musician turned to the audience with an emotional speech-and continued his ongoing political positioning.
Springsteen about the endangerment of US democracy
In an approximately three-minute speech on the stage of the Co-OP Live Arena, the “Born in the USA” singer said:
“There are currently things that change the essence of our democracy. And they are too important to ignore them.”
Springsteen in particular criticized political repression in his home country.
“People are persecuted in my country just because they express their opinion. That happens now, at this moment.”
In addition, he addressed the social irresponsibility of economic elites, which, according to Springsteen, turn away from the weakest in society.
“The richest men in America look alongside how the poorest children in the world die of illness and poverty – and they even enjoy it.”
Criticism of political leadership and legal system
Bruce Springsteen accused the US government to deport American citizens into foreign detention centers without legal proceedings:
“You snatch people from their home and put them in warehouse – without procedures. That is a reality in my country.”
He also issued a devastating judgment to the congress:
“The majority of our elected representatives failed to protect the people from an incapable president and a derailed government. They don’t know what it means to be really American.”
Hope through the words of James Baldwins
Despite his dark analysis, Springsteen ended his speech on a hopeful note. He quoted the African -American writer and civil rights activist James Baldwin:
“There is not as much humanity in this world as you would like it – but there are enough.”
Springsteen Castle with the words:
“The America that I’ve been singing about for 50 years is real. Despite all its mistakes, it is a great country with great people – and we will survive this time.”
Trump’s reaction: personal insults via Truth Social
Already the day before, Springsteen had made similar statements during the tour. Donald Trump reacted on Friday on his Truth Social platform with a hateful tirade:
“I see that the completely overestimated Bruce Springsteen travels to a foreign country to talk badly about the President of the United States. He is not talented, an intrusive idiot that supports Sleepy Joe Biden. And this ‘wrinkled’ rocker should rather keep his mouth until it is back in the country.”
Trump thus referred to Springsteen’s support from Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election campaign.
Bruce Springsteen: Musician with attitude
Springsteen, which is currently touring through Great Britain, France, Spain, Germany and Italy, remains one of the strongest critical voices in the American cultural scene in 2025. His combination of music and political message lifts him far beyond the status of a rock star.
His appearance in Manchester was not just a musical highlight. But a flaming plea for truth, humanity and democracy.