Musicians' Union Defends Springsteen Amid Trump Attacks

AFM leaders say the rocker is 'a voice for working people' and has a right to criticize the White House.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:23pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked, glittering disco ball reflecting dramatic shadows and highlights, conceptually representing the high-stakes drama and glittering tensions between the entertainment industry and the Trump administration.The ongoing clash between the music industry and the Trump White House reflects the high-stakes drama and glittering tensions at the heart of American politics.Minneapolis Today

The leaders of two American Federation of Musicians Locals have issued a statement defending Bruce Springsteen's right to criticize the White House after President Donald Trump urged supporters to boycott the rocker's concerts. The union leaders said they 'could not remain silent as one of our most celebrated members is singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States.'

Why it matters

The ongoing feud between Trump and Springsteen reflects the broader tensions between the music industry and the current administration, with artists increasingly using their platforms to speak out against the president's policies.

The details

Following the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minnesota, Springsteen released an ICE protest song and performed it at a 'No Kings' protest in St. Paul. A few days later, as he launched his latest tour in Minneapolis, he railed against 'a corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous administration' and led an 'ICE out now!' chant. Trump then posted a blistering social media post about Springsteen, calling him 'a total loser' and urging supporters to 'BOYCOTT HIS OVERPRICED CONCERTS, WHICH SUCK'.

  • On March 28, Springsteen performed his ICE protest song at the 'No Kings' protest in St. Paul, Minnesota.
  • A few days later, on April 1, Springsteen launched his latest tour in Minneapolis and criticized the Trump administration.
  • On April 2, President Trump posted his social media attack on Springsteen.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

A celebrated musician who has used his platform to speak out against the Trump administration's policies, particularly regarding immigration enforcement.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who has attacked Springsteen and urged his supporters to boycott the rocker's concerts.

Dan Point

The president of American Federation of Musicians Local 802.

Marc Sazer

The president of American Federation of Musicians Local 47.

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What they’re saying

“Bruce Springsteen is not just a brilliant musician, he is a voice for working people, a symbol of American resilience, and an inspiration to millions in this country and around the world. From Nebraska to Born to Run, his music has spoken truth to power for decades, and that is exactly what he is doing now.”

— Dan Point, President, American Federation of Musicians Local 802

“We could not remain silent as one of our most celebrated members is singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States.”

— Marc Sazer, President, American Federation of Musicians Local 47

What’s next

The ongoing feud between Springsteen and Trump is likely to continue, with the president potentially doubling down on his attacks on the musician and the union leaders defending Springsteen's right to free expression.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing divide between the music industry and the Trump administration, with artists increasingly using their platforms to speak out against the president's policies. It also underscores the importance of unions in defending the rights of their members to engage in political speech.