Musicians Union Defends Bruce Springsteen Against Donald Trump: ‘We Cannot Remain Silent’
Bruce Springsteen has long been critical of Donald Trump, and he has made this a leading message on his ongoing tour. Trump has lobbed insults against Springsteen and even called for his supporters to boycott him. American Federation of Musicians leaders posted a statement firmly defending Springsteen’s right to criticize Trump.
Donald Trump told his supporters to boycott Bruce Springsteen’s concerts
Springsteen is currently on his Land of Hope & Dreams American Tour, which will be political. During a recent show in Minneapolis, Springsteen called the Trump administration corrupt and described the president as a “snowflake.” This prompted a furious response.
“Bad and very boring singer Bruce Springsteen, who looks like a dried-up prune who has suffered greatly from the work of a really bad plastic surgeon, has long had a horrible and incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The guy is a total loser who spews hate against a president who won a landslide election, including the popular vote, all seven swing states, and 86 percent of the counties across America.”
He then encouraged his base to boycott Springsteen’s tour.
“MAGA SHOULD BOYCOTT HIS OVERPRICED CONCERTS, WHICH SUCK. SAVE YOUR HARD-EARNED MONEY. AMERICA IS BACK!!!”
The American Federation of Musicians defended Bruce Springsteen’s right to criticize Donald Trump
Trump’s call for a boycott led to a response from Local 802 and Local 47 American Federation of Musicians Presidents Dan Point and Marc Sazer. They defended Springsteen and his right to speak openly about his political beliefs.
“We can not remain silent as one of our most celebrated members is singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States,” they said in a statement. “Bruce Springsteen is not just a brilliant musician, he is a voice for working people, a symbol of American resilience, and an inspiration to millions in this country and around the world. From Nebraska to Born to Run, his music has spoken truth to power for decades, and that is exactly what he is doing now.”
They also emphasized the rights of musicians.
“Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in complete solidarity with Bruce and every member who uses their platform to speak their conscience,” the statement reads. “Local 802 and Local 47 will always defend that right.”
The artist said he isn’t concerned about losing fans because of his political views
Springsteen is well aware that his outspoken views might lose him fans. He admitted that he doesn’t care.
“I don’t worry about it,” he told the Minnesota Star Tribune. “My job is very simple: I do what I want to do, I say what I want to say and then people get to say what they want to say about it. Those are the rules of my game. That’s fine with me.”
He feels that it is important for him to use his platform to share his views.
“I don’t worry about if you’re going to lose this part of your audience,” he said. “I’ve always had a feeling about the position we play culturally, and I’m still deeply committed to that idea of the band. The blowback is just part of it. I’m ready for all that.”
Springsteen will be touring throughout the United States until May 27.
