Bruce Springsteen Kicks Off U.S. Tour with Defiant Minneapolis Show

The Boss denounces Trump administration's immigration crackdown and opens with anti-war anthem 'War'

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:34pm

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Bruce Springsteen returned to Minneapolis on Tuesday night to launch his latest U.S. tour, delivering a nearly 3-hour show that featured a mix of fan favorites and politically-charged statements against the Trump administration. Springsteen opened with a thunderous rendition of 'War' and later performed his new song 'Streets of Minneapolis' in tribute to the city's residents who stood up against federal immigration raids.

Why it matters

Springsteen has long used his music and platform to address social and political issues, and his latest tour is no exception. The Minneapolis show served as a rallying cry against the Trump administration's policies, with Springsteen voicing strong opposition to the president's 'corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous' leadership.

The details

Springsteen kicked off the show with 'War,' a song he has performed since the Reagan administration, as a not-so-veiled salvo against the current administration's policies. He later stood alone on stage to perform 'Streets of Minneapolis,' a new song honoring the city's residents for their courage in standing up to the estimated 3,000 federal officers sent in by the Trump administration. Springsteen led the crowd in chants of 'ICE Out Now' during the song. The show also featured a cover of Prince's 'Purple Rain' and ended with Springsteen again honoring the victims of the federal crackdown.

  • The tour launched on Tuesday night in Minneapolis.
  • Springsteen previously performed 'Streets of Minneapolis' during a rally in St. Paul on Saturday.
  • The tour is scheduled to end on May 27 in Washington, D.C., where Springsteen said he'll have 'a few choice words for the White House.'

The players

Bruce Springsteen

A legendary American singer-songwriter who has used his music to address social and political issues for over 50 years.

Renee Good

One of the victims of the federal crackdown in Minneapolis that Springsteen honored in his new song 'Streets of Minneapolis.'

Alex Pretti

One of the victims of the federal crackdown in Minneapolis that Springsteen honored in his new song 'Streets of Minneapolis.'

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States, who has long feuded with Springsteen over the musician's political views and criticism of his administration.

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What they’re saying

“We are here in celebration and defense of our American ideals, democracy, our Constitution and our sacred American promise, the America that I love, the America that I've written about for 50 years, that's been a beacon of hope and liberty around the world, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous administration.”

— Bruce Springsteen, Musician

“The solidarity of the people of Minneapolis, of Minnesota, was an inspiration to the entire country.”

— Bruce Springsteen, Musician

“This is a tour that was not planned. We're here tonight because we need to steal your hope and your strength. And we wanted to bring some hope and some strength to you. I hope we did.”

— Bruce Springsteen, Musician

What’s next

Springsteen's tour is scheduled to continue with stops in Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, 'two other cities where they had to deal with ICE, ICE's terror,' before concluding on May 27 in Washington, D.C., where the musician said he'll have 'a few choice words for the White House.'

The takeaway

Springsteen's defiant Minneapolis show underscores his longstanding commitment to using his music and platform to speak out against social and political injustices. His tour serves as a rallying cry for democracy and resistance against the Trump administration's policies, resonating with fans who share his progressive values.