Springsteen: criticizing power is true patriotism

Bruce Springsteen used his recently aired PBS special 'Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song' to put his longstanding and outspoken opposition to Donald Trump into a broader perspective. The rocker, who has been known for years as one of the most vocal voices in the American music world, tied his political views to his own definition of patriotism. "I believe in critical patriotism," he said. "I believe that's the definition of a patriot, you know, that you love your country so much that you are willing to look at it clearly, recognise its faults, encourage it to be a better place, and believe that you carry in your heart the country that is waiting."

Earlier this year Springsteen wrote the protest track 'Streets Of Minneapolis' after ICE agents killed two civilians in Minnesota. He described himself as "very angry" when the song came to him in January. By his own account he usually writes songs with political implications that are not intended as direct protest songs, but this time he deliberately chose a more straightforward approach. He was encouraged in that choice by his collaborator Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine, who told him: "Bruce, nuance is great, but sometimes you've gotta kick 'em in the teeth."

The relationship between Springsteen and Trump has been hostile for years. The Boss previously called for Trump's impeachment and described the president as "corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous." Trump hit back by calling Springsteen a "pushy, obnoxious JERK" and labelling him a "dried out 'prune' of a rocker." The White House also weighed in on Springsteen's ongoing tour, claiming the singer has a "severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his brain." In the PBS special Springsteen called the current administration a "ship of fools," while at the same time expressing cautious optimism: "I think we're going through a very, very difficult period, but I tend to remain realistically optimistic. That the country will pull out of it and something new will be born from it that is good."

Last month Springsteen acknowledged at the Tribeca Film Festival that part of his audience has turned away from him because of his political statements. He received the 2026 Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award there, presented by Bono of U2. When asked whether he feels torn by the loss of fans, he replied: "You have to do two things. You make your stand, and you follow your beliefs." He put his own role into perspective by saying he does not see himself as an activist: "I don't even really consider myself an activist. I feel like I'm, at best, a concerned citizen."

Shortly afterwards Springsteen performed at the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center, sharing the stage with Bono and performing 'Land of Hope and Dreams.' The event also featured performances from, among others, Christina Aguilera, Common, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony, The Roots and Tems. For Dutch music fans who are seeing Springsteen perform in Europe this year, the PBS special provides extra context for the content and tone of his current tour, which is clearly steeped in the political tension gripping his home country.