Bruce Springsteen is being hailed as the model celebrity for the resistance against Donald Trump, who has been accused by critics of fostering authoritarianism.
The rock ‘n’ roll legend took a not-so-subtle swipe at the president over the war in Iran during a recent concert as part of his “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour.
Trump has come under fire from a slew of celebrities over his actions and policies, with many raising doubts about their viability for the country’s collective good.
Bruce Springsteen Called The Model Anti-Trump Celebrity
As the country’s political divide deepens, with many Hollywood celebrities speaking out against Trump’s administration over its perceived missteps, Springsteen has emerged as a model example of how celebrity figures can handle political resistance.
His recent concert in Brooklyn was said to be more than a joyous musical gathering; it also served as a rallying call for Americans to fight for democracy and rebuff any form of authoritarianism.
According to a report on The Guardian, Springsteen began the Brooklyn concert by offering patriotic words and standing in solidarity with service members at the forefront of the ongoing escalation in the Middle East.
“We begin tonight with a prayer for our men and women in service overseas. We pray for an end to this conflict and for their safe return,” he said.
Springsteen Slams Trump As ‘Reckless’ And ‘Racist’
However, Springsteen then took things a notch higher, slamming Trump as “reckless” and “racist,” among other things.
“The Boss,” as he is fondly called, did not mince words as he said the concert was “in celebration and defense of the American ideals and values.” He also called for a fight against fear and anything that seeks to further divide the nation.
“Our democracy, our constitution, our rule of law, are being challenged right now as never before by a reckless, racist, incompetent, treasonous president and his ship of fools administration,” Springsteen said.
“So tonight we ask all of you to join with us in choosing hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism, the rule of law over lawlessness, ethics over unbridled corruption, resistance over complacency, truth over lies, unity over division, and peace over war,” he added.
Bruce Springsteen Says Trump ‘Can’t Handle The Truth’
Springsteen went further to belt out hits like Motown’s leading anti-Vietnam War song, “War (What Is It Good For),” his own anti-war anthem, “Born in the U.S.A.,” and Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom.”
In a direct slap at Trump, Springsteen said, “Honesty, honor, humility, character, truth, compassion, humanity, thoughtfulness, morality, true strength and decency… don’t let anybody tell you that these things don’t matter anymore. They do.”
“So many of our elected leaders have failed us that this American tragedy can only be stopped by the American people… by you. So, join us and let’s fight for the America that we love,” he added.
In another pointed message aimed at the politician, Springsteen criticized efforts to sanitize American history.
“Our museums are being told to whitewash American history of any unpleasant or inconvenient facts, like the full history of the brutality of slavery,” he said. “You want to talk about snowflakes? We have a president who can’t handle the truth.”
Trump Has Faced Backlash From Several Celebrities
Several celebrities and public figures have stood up to Trump and continued to call him out over some of his actions, including Barack Obama, Stephen Colbert, John Legend, Jimmy Kimmel, Robert De Niro, Lady Gaga, and country superstar Zach Bryan.
Colbert appears to have paid a heavy price, as his “Late Show” finally bowed out on CBS last week. The network insisted the difficult decision was strictly financial. However, many suspected foul play because it came after the comedian called out CBS’s parent company, Paramount, over a $16 million settlement with Trump.
Obama has also hit out at his successor, particularly after the president shared a video that depicted him and his wife, Michelle, as apes. In a chat with Brian Tyler Cohen earlier this year, the former president lamented how the “decorum” and “shame” that once guided public officials have now been lost.
Donald Trump Faces MAGA Backlash Over Iran Deal
Meanwhile, Trump is receiving backlash online after the White House announced that “an agreement” had been negotiated between the U.S., Iran, and other countries involved.
Many social media users took to the comment section to blast the president for allegedly failing to deliver on his promise to Iran, while others accused him of trying to “chicken out.”
“This is not what you promised! 40,000+ people haven’t been massacred for an agreement! Finish the job, Mr. President!” one X user wrote.
“Don’t chicken out, Mr. President. You’ve made some impact, you can’t stop now,” another user noted.
“This will be your legacy. Capitulation. Kicking the can. Weak. All talk,” a third user added.