Bruce Springsteen recently declared from a Manchester, U.K. stage that the America he loves is currently in the hands of a “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration.” This comment sparked criticism from Donald Trump, who called Springsteen a “dried out prune” and threatened to investigate his past earnings.
Springsteen’s criticism was framed as patriotism, emphasizing the country’s greatness despite its flaws. He also included on-message songs in his performance, which could serve as an example for struggling Democrats. Trump’s response suggests he is sensitive to the power of celebrity, but it remains unclear how effectively Springsteen’s message will resonate with voters.
Many musicians have remained quiet about the Trump administration since January, possibly due to fear or a sense that opposition messaging has failed. However, artists such as Neil Young and Eddie Vedder have shown support for Springsteen’s remarks. The Rolling Stone podcast “Music Now” explores this topic in more depth, discussing why musicians have been relatively silent and how they might respond moving forward.
Source: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/springsteen-vs-trump-what-democrats-can-learn-1235347941