Bruce Springsteen supports the “No Kings” movement against Donald Trump – and calls for the defense of American values.
Bruce Springsteen has declared his support for the “No Kings” protest movement in the USA. In a statement he reminds us of an American identity that is based on freedom, democracy and hope.
Editorial recommendations
As the US edition of “Rolling Stone” reported, the musician made the comments on October 22nd at the AFI Fest in Los Angeles, where the biopic “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” was shown. There he played the songs “Atlantic City” and “Land Of Hope And Dreams”.
“All hell is breaking loose in the United States,” Springsteen said in his speech. “For 250 years, despite all the mistakes we have made, the United States has stood as a beacon of freedom, democracy, hope and independence around the world.”
“This country and these ideals are still worth fighting for”
Springsteen continued: “I have served as a musical ambassador of sorts for America for 50 years and have seen firsthand the love and admiration that people around the world have for the America of our highest ideals. Despite the terrible damage America has suffered recently, this country and these ideals continue to be worth fighting for. I send this as a prayer for America, for our unity, and for No Kings.”
Historical mobilization
The protests under the motto “No Kings” are directed against the authoritarian policies of US President Donald Trump and against alleged corruption in his administration. Inspired by the American Revolution and the resistance against the British Crown, the demonstrators are calling for an end to the president’s dictatorial tendencies and a return to democratic values.
The “No Kings” protests in June 2025 first attracted greater attention. Organizers estimated at the time that over five million people took part in more than 2,100 cities and towns, including the main event in Philadelphia. Numerous demonstrations took place again at the end of October.
According to “Waging Nonviolence”, around seven million people protested in over 2,700 cities on October 18th. According to activists, the protests that day mobilized over two percent of the American population in just 24 hours – a historic event.
Again and again criticism of Trump
Springsteen has publicly criticized Trump on several occasions. At his European concerts in the summer, he repeatedly spoke clearly to the crowds. He then reiterated his stance to the media: “If I want to stay true to myself, I can’t give these people a free pass.”
Of Trump, Springsteen said: “A lot of people fell for his lies. He doesn’t care about anyone except himself and the billionaires who stood behind him on his Inauguration Day.”
And further: “It must be acknowledged that a significant portion of Americans are satisfied with his politics of power and dominance. He is the living embodiment of what the 25th Amendment and impeachment were created for. If Congress had any backbone, it would have been consigned to the dustbin of history long ago.”