Singer Bruce Springsteen’s union is defending his right to criticize the White House after President Donald Trump urged his supporters Thursday to boycott rock concerts.
Leaders of two prominent local American Federation of Musicians issued a statement Thursday hours after the president shared a scathing social media post about Springsteen, calling him a “total loser” and urging supporters to “boycott his expensive concerts, which sucks” following Springsteen’s recent criticism of Trump.
Local 802 President Dan Point and Local 47 President Mark Sizer said they “cannot remain silent as one of our most popular members is singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States.”
They added: “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.” nebraska to Born to runHis music has spoken truth to power for decades, and that’s exactly what he’s doing now.
Union leaders also defended musicians’ right to freedom of expression, saying they “stand in full solidarity with Bruce and every member who uses their platform to express their conscience.”
Although the feud between Trump and Springsteen is nothing new, their feud has reached new heights in the wake of the ICE crackdown in Minnesota and the killings of Alex Peretti and Rene Judd. After Pretty and Judd’s death, Springsteen released a protest song for ICE calling their actions in Minnesota “state terrorism.”
Springsteen then performed that song at the “No Kings” protest in St. Paul, Minnesota, on March 28. A few days later, when he launched his final tour in Minneapolis, he railed against the “corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and traitorous administration” and led “Immigration and Customs Enforcement OUT NOW!” hymn.
Springsteen belongs to two AFM locals of over 80,000 members, Local 399 in Asbury Park, New Jersey, and Local 47 in Los Angeles.
