Leaders of the American Federation of Musicians are speaking out in defense of union member Bruce Springsteen following personal attacks by Donald Trump.
Springsteen kicked off his 2026 Land of Hope and Dreams American tour on March 31 in Minneapolis with a nearly three-hour performance that blended music and overt political commentary, quickly placing the tour at the center of the national conversation.
“We are here in celebration and defense of our American ideals,” Springsteen told the audience. “Democracy, our Constitution and our sacred American promise… the America that I love… is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous administration.”
He then called on concertgoers to join him “in choosing hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism, the rule of law over lawlessness, ethics over unbridled corruption, resistance over complacency, unity over division, and peace over war.” The remarks transitioned into performances of “War” and “Born in the U.S.A.,” giving the opening stretch of the show a distinctly political tone.
The Minneapolis performance quickly drew a response from Trump, continuing a long-running public feud between the two. Springsteen has been one of Trump’s most prominent critics in recent years, while Trump has repeatedly attacked the singer in speeches, social media posts, and past disputes over the use of Springsteen’s music at campaign events.
Following the concert, Trump posted a lengthy message on Truth Social criticizing Springsteen and calling for a boycott of the tour, writing that the singer “spews hate against a President” and deriding him personally.
In a joint statement issued April 2, Dan Point, president of AFM Local 802 in New York, and Marc Sazer, president of AFM Local 47 in Los Angeles, condemned the attacks and affirmed the union’s support for Springsteen, a member of Locals 47 (Los Angeles) and 399 (Asbury Park).
“We cannot remain silent as one of our most celebrated members is singled out and personally attacked,” the presidents said. “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.”
Citing Springsteen’s decades-long career, from Nebraska to Born to Run, the statement emphasized his tradition of “speaking truth to power,” adding that “that is exactly what he is doing now.”
The union leaders also underscored the broader principle at stake: “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.”