Bruce Springsteen used a concert stage in Minneapolis to deliver a blunt warning about the state of America, leading critics to label the musician a "traitor."
Springsteen unleashed four pointed political speeches during the opening night of his "Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour" on Tuesday.
"We are living through some very dark times," he told the crowd mid-show, according to Variety. "Our American values that have sustained us for 250 years are being challenged as never before. We’ve got our young men and women’s lives at risk in an unconstitutional and illegal war. This is happening now.
"There are immigrants being held in detention centers around the country and being deported without due process of law to alien countries and foreign gulags. This is happening now."
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After criticizing Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Justice Department, Springsteen focused his comments on the White House.
Springsteen said, "While working Americans struggle, our president and his family enrich themselves by billions of dollars trading on the people’s office in corruption unmatched in American history. This is happening now.
"This White House is destroying the American idea and our reputation around the world," he added. "To many, we are no longer looked upon as an often imperfect but strong defender of democracy standing for the global good. We are no longer the land of the free and the home of the brave. We are now, to many, America the reckless, unpredictable, predatory rogue nation. That is this administration’s and this president’s legacy. This is happening now."
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Springsteen’s remarks quickly reverberated beyond the arena, sparking sharp criticism from some fans and social media users who took issue with both his message and his platform.
"What a [sic] elites self righteous POS," one user wrote on X. "I regret ever buying this lowlifes music. He talks about the middle class as his roots while living and acting as the ,'KING'. Go kiss Bidens a-- traitor..."
"I've seen Bruce 10x I can't support any of this message when tickets are 1,000 dollars," another user commented. "Get over yourself man."
"Billionaire who charges $800 for concert tickets claims to represent working class Americans," another user wrote.
"Another concert, another political rant. People came for the music, not a lecture."
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While many criticized Springsteen, admirers hailed the rock singer for using his stage to deliver an unflinching message and stand by his convictions.
"Bruce Springsteen, tonight in Minneapolis, was one of the best shows I've ever seen. A true American rock star. Grateful to have been here," journalist Aaron Rupar wrote on X.
"When Bruce Springsteen speaks, it's not just music; it's conviction," another user praised. "You don't have to agree, but you should respect the courage to call out power in real time. Free speech isn't comfort; it's confrontation."
"Cue incoming MAGA with their feelings hurt," another added.
