Bruce Springsteen delivered a blistering message aimed at President Donald Trump during his sold-out show at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, commiserating with dejected fans and shouting a rallying cry into the night sky.
Springsteen's Call to Action
“So many of our elected leaders have failed us that this American tragedy can only be stopped by the American people — you,” Springsteen said. “There is no one coming to save us. We’ve got to do it ourselves. So join us, and let’s fight for the America that we love.”
The New Jersey native continued, “Do you hear me, Washington? Do you hear me, Washington?! Are you with us, Washington?! Are you with us, Washington?! Let them hear you at the fucking White House! Are you with us, Washington?! Let’s go!”
Solidarity with Fans
Springsteen and his E Street Band performed the penultimate show of their “Land of Hope & Dreams” tour, themed around U.S. history and the current political climate. The iconic frontman told the audience that the group stands with them in solidarity.
“If you’re feeling helpless, if you’re feeling hopeless, if you’re feeling betrayed, if you’re feeling frustrated, if you’re feeling angry, I understand that,” he said. “That’s why ... we needed to come to Washington and feel your strength and your hope and your faith.”
Protest Against Immigration Policies
Springsteen also led the crowd in a chant, shouting “ICE out!” in protest of the president’s immigration agenda, specifically targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents deployed in major cities across America.
The “Streets of Philadelphia” singer further voiced opposition to Trump’s war on Iran and the $1.8 billion fund following Trump’s $10 billion IRS lawsuit. Springsteen is one of the most high-profile anti-Trump entertainers, having gone on countless rants against him.
Trump's Response
Trump addressed the 20-time Grammy winner on social media in April, urging his MAGA base to “BOYCOTT” the “very boring” and “dried up prune,” claiming his concerts “SUCK.”
Trump’s war on Iran has cost at least 13 U.S. military service members and more than 3,000 Iranians their lives, and led Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil passes, driving up domestic gas prices and sparking fears of a global energy crisis.
Upcoming Events
While Springsteen’s tour closes Saturday in Philadelphia, the singer is co-hosting a music festival in Washington, D.C., in October — one month before midterm elections, which even conservative pundits say could be disastrous for the GOP as a result of Trump’s policies.
Last week, Springsteen helped now-former “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert close out his 11-year run, taking aim at both Trump and CBS owners Larry and David Ellison by noting “we got a president who can’t take a joke” — and that “these are small-minded people.”
