In a blistering critique, rock legend Bruce Springsteen has once again taken aim at President Donald Trump, calling him a “moron” and a “demagogue” who has ushered in an “American tragedy.” The 75-year-old musician, currently on his Land of Hope and Dreams European tour, made these remarks in a recent interview with The New York Times, published on June 18, 2025. Springsteen’s comments come amid an ongoing feud with the president, intensifying a war of words that has captured headlines and sparked polarized reactions across the United States.
Springsteen, known for his politically charged lyrics and outspoken liberal views, didn’t hold back in addressing what he sees as the dire state of the nation under Trump’s leadership. “It’s an American tragedy,” he told The New York Times, attributing Trump’s rise to power to a combination of economic and social factors. “I think it was the combination of the deindustrialization of the country and then the incredible increase in wealth disparity that left so many people behind. It was ripe for a demagogue. And while I can’t believe it was this moron that came along, he fit the bill for some people,” Springsteen said. He further lamented the past 70 days of Trump’s second term, stating, “What we’ve been living through is things we all said, ‘This can’t happen here. This will never happen in America.’ And here we are.”
The Born in the U.S.A. singer has been vocal about his disdain for Trump for over a decade, previously endorsing Democratic candidates like Kamala Harris in 2024 and Joe Biden in 2020. During a May 14, 2025, concert in Manchester, England, Springsteen described Trump’s administration as “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous,” prompting a fiery response from the president on Truth Social. Trump called Springsteen a “dried out prune” and “highly overrated,” urging him to “keep his mouth shut” until he returns to the U.S. Undeterred, Springsteen released an EP in late May featuring a recording of his anti-Trump speech, further escalating the feud.
Springsteen also criticized Trump’s immigration policies, particularly recent ICE raids in cities like Los Angeles, which he called “disgusting” and a “terrible tragedy.” Reflecting on his hometown of Freehold, New Jersey, he noted, “There’s a large migrant population that lives and has altered Freehold in a very vibrant way. There are communities all across America now that have taken in immigrants and migrant workers.” Despite his grim assessment, Springsteen expressed hope for the future, citing America’s “long democratic history” and belief that “things will swing back” toward democracy.
The feud has divided fans, with some praising Springsteen’s courage and others slamming him as out of touch. Social media posts on X reflect the polarized sentiment, with one user writing, “The American Tragedy ended when Joe Biden left the White House. Bruce may be the only American who doesn’t know that,” while another called him a “has-been.” Supporters, however, rallied behind him, with peers like Neil Young standing in solidarity.
Springsteen’s Land of Hope and Dreams tour has taken a distinctly political turn, with setlists designed to address America’s current climate. Songs like “My City of Ruins” and Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom” underscore his message of resistance against what he calls “authoritarianism.” As he continues his tour, Springsteen remains a polarizing figure, using his platform to challenge Trump’s leadership while inspiring both admiration and backlash.
