White House Dismisses Bruce Springsteen as 'Loser' With 'Trump Derangement Syndrome'

The administration fires back at the rock legend over his criticism of the Trump administration.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The White House has issued a scathing statement dismissing Bruce Springsteen as a 'loser' with 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' and an 'atrophying brain' in response to the rock legend's criticism of the Trump administration, particularly over the killings of U.S. citizens Renée Good and Alex Pretti by immigration enforcement troops in Minneapolis. The White House's statement weaves in references to several of Springsteen's classic songs to further attack the singer.

Why it matters

This latest exchange highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and high-profile critics like Springsteen, who have been vocal in their opposition to the president's policies. It also underscores the politically charged nature of Springsteen's recent music, which has taken aim at the administration's actions.

The details

In the statement, White House communications director Steven Cheung called Springsteen 'irrelevant' and said the singer's 'Glory Days are behind him' due to a 'severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his brain.' The statement also referenced several of Springsteen's classic songs, including 'City of Ruins,' 'Glory Days,' 'Out in the Street,' and 'Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out,' to further attack the singer.

  • Springsteen released the anti-ICE song 'Streets of Minneapolis' last month.
  • The White House previously dismissed Springsteen as 'irrelevant' in response to the song.
  • Springsteen and the E Street Band are set to embark on a 20-date arena tour starting on March 31 in Minneapolis.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

A legendary rock musician who has been a vocal critic of the Trump administration, particularly over its immigration policies.

Steven Cheung

The White House communications director who issued the statement attacking Springsteen.

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What they’re saying

“When this loser Springsteen comes back home to his own City of Ruins in his head, he'll realize his Glory Days are behind him and his fans have left him Out in the Street, putting him in a Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out because he has a severe case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has rotted his brain.”

— Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director (Politico)

What’s next

The White House's statement comes ahead of Springsteen's upcoming tour, which is set to kick off on March 31 in Minneapolis. It remains to be seen if the administration will continue to attack Springsteen as the tour progresses.

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions between the Trump administration and high-profile critics like Bruce Springsteen, who have used their platforms to voice opposition to the president's policies. It also underscores the increasingly polarized nature of the political landscape, where even musical artists are not immune from partisan attacks.