President Donald J. Trump, took aim at legendary American rock musician Bruce Springsteen on Thursday, following the artist’s sharp political criticism during an overseas concert.
The incident began during Springsteen’s live show in Manchester, U.K., where the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer denounced the Trump administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and un-American.” He accused the White House of aligning itself with dictators and abandoning America’s democratic and humanitarian responsibilities on the world stage.
President Trump responded hours later with a barrage of insults posted to his Truth Social account. Calling Springsteen “an overrated blowhard” and “the dried-up prune of rock’n’roll,” Trump mocked the musician’s age, appearance, and patriotism.
“Nobody listens to Bruce anymore—except maybe the people who still think vinyl is modern,” the president wrote.
Trump also took a swipe at pop star Taylor Swift, claiming she’s “done” and “was never that talented to begin with,” referencing her public endorsement of former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election cycle.
“I used to like her music,” Trump wrote, “until she went full liberal and started worshipping Kamala.”
Background and Public Reaction. Springsteen is currently touring with his “Land of Hope and Dreams” show, using the platform to speak out in defense of American democracy. The New Jersey-born artist has long been a vocal critic of Trump and right-wing politics, often emphasizing themes of working-class struggle and social justice in his performances.
So far, neither Springsteen nor Swift has responded publicly to the president’s remarks.
Social media platforms erupted with reactions, with some conservatives praising Trump’s clapback, while others—including veterans of the music industry—accused him of disrespecting a cultural icon and misusing the presidential office for personal vendettas.
This is not the first time President Trump has targeted entertainers critical of his leadership. In the past, he has clashed publicly with figures like Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, and the cast of “Hamilton.” Critics argue such attacks distract from more pressing national issues.
