Musicians Union Backs Bruce Springsteen Against Trump Attacks

Leaders of two AFM chapters issue statement supporting the artist's right to free expression.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 10:10pm

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A minimalist, abstract illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes in contrasting red and black, conceptually representing the tension between Bruce Springsteen's political activism and the attacks from former President Trump.The musicians' union's defense of Bruce Springsteen's free speech rights underscores the role of artists in speaking truth to power.Asbury Park Today

The presidents of two chapters of the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) have issued a joint statement in support of Bruce Springsteen, defending the artist's right to free expression after recent criticism from former President Donald Trump. Springsteen, a longtime union member, has been outspoken in his criticism of Trump and his policies.

Why it matters

This statement from the musicians' union underscores the growing political divide in the entertainment industry, as high-profile artists like Springsteen use their platforms to voice opposition to the Trump administration's actions. The union's defense of Springsteen's free speech rights also highlights the role that organized labor can play in supporting artists who face political backlash for their views.

The details

In their statement, Dan Point, president of AFM Local 802 in Manhattan, and Marc Sazer, president of Local 47 in Los Angeles, expressed 'complete solidarity' with Springsteen. They praised the artist as 'a voice for working people' and 'a symbol of American resilience' whose music has 'spoken truth to power for decades.' The union leaders said they would 'always defend' the right of musicians to use their platform to 'speak their conscience.'

  • On April 2, 2026, the two AFM chapter presidents issued their statement in support of Springsteen.
  • Earlier on the same day, former President Trump had attacked Springsteen on Truth Social, calling him a 'bad, and very boring singer' and urging his supporters to boycott the artist.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

A renowned American musician and songwriter who has been outspoken in his criticism of former President Trump and his policies.

Dan Point

The president of the American Federation of Musicians' Local 802 chapter, based in Manhattan.

Marc Sazer

The president of the American Federation of Musicians' Local 47 chapter, based in Los Angeles.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who has repeatedly attacked Bruce Springsteen for his political views and activism.

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What they’re saying

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

— Dan Point and Marc Sazer, Presidents of AFM Locals 802 and 47

“From Nebraska to Born to Run, his music has spoken truth to power for decades, and that is exactly what he is doing now. Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in complete solidarity with Bruce and every member who uses their platform to speak their conscience. Local 802 and Local 47 will always defend that right.”

— Dan Point and Marc Sazer, Presidents of AFM Locals 802 and 47

What’s next

The statement from the musicians' union is likely to further escalate the ongoing feud between Springsteen and Trump, with the potential for additional public exchanges or even legal action. However, the union's firm support for Springsteen's right to free expression may help shield the artist from any serious professional consequences.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing politicization of the entertainment industry, as high-profile artists like Springsteen use their platforms to voice opposition to the policies and actions of political figures. The musicians' union's defense of Springsteen's free speech rights underscores the role that organized labor can play in supporting artists who face backlash for their political views.