On May 14, 2025, Bruce Springsteen, the “Born in the U.S.A.” icon, opened his “Land of Hope and Dreams” European tour at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena with a blistering critique of President Donald Trump’s administration. Calling it “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous,” Springsteen’s emotional speech went viral, reigniting discussions about celebrity activism and America’s political divide. His remarks, echoed by actor Robert De Niro’s bold Cannes Film Festival speech a day earlier, highlight a rare wave of outspoken dissent from cultural giants against Trump’s second term. Here’s a deep dive into Springsteen’s speech, the backlash and support it inspired, and the broader context of celebrity political activism in 2025.
Springsteen’s Manchester Moment
Springsteen, 75, a lifelong advocate for working-class values and a vocal liberal, took the stage with the E Street Band and delivered a powerful message before launching into “Land of Hope and Dreams.” “In my home, the America I love, the America I’ve written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration,” he declared. He urged the crowd to “raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring,” setting the tone for a politically charged setlist that included “Rainmaker,” a song about demagogues, and “My City of Ruins,” where he decried attacks on free speech and civil rights.
The speech, posted on Springsteen’s YouTube and Instagram, drew cheers from the Manchester audience but sparked polarized reactions online. Supporters on X praised his courage, with @ArtCandee writing, “The Boss nailed it!” Critics, however, called it inappropriate for a foreign stage, with one X user stating, “You can’t criticize your president abroad. It’s unpatriotic.” Another remarked, “Time to move away, Bruce. Take your negativity with you.” The White House countered, claiming “77 million Americans” who voted for Trump disagree with “elitist” celebrities like Springsteen.
Springsteen’s remarks build on his 2024 endorsement of Kamala Harris, whom he called a defender of “freedom, social fairness, and equal opportunity.” Labeling Trump “the most dangerous candidate” in his lifetime, he criticized Trump’s “disdain for the Constitution” and inability to grasp “what it means to be deeply American.” His Manchester speech amplified these views, accusing the administration of rolling back civil rights, defunding universities, and deporting residents without due process.
De Niro’s Cannes Critique
A day earlier, on May 13, 2025, Robert De Niro used his honorary Palme d’Or acceptance speech at Cannes to echo Springsteen’s sentiments. The 81-year-old actor, presented the award by Leonardo DiCaprio, warned, “In my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted.” He accused Trump of cutting arts funding, imposing tariffs on foreign films, and appointing himself head of the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, calling these moves “unacceptable” and a “global” threat to democratic values.
De Niro’s speech, delivered with his girlfriend Tiffany Chen and daughter Helen Grace by his side, linked the arts to democracy, stating, “The arts are democratic… That’s why we are a threat to autocrats and fascists.” Social media reactions mirrored Springsteen’s, with TikTok users calling him “a man with courage” and Facebook critics labeling him “out of touch.”
The Context: Celebrity Activism in a Polarized Era
Springsteen and De Niro’s outspokenness stands out in 2025, as many artists have muted their criticism of Trump compared to his first term, per The New York Times. Springsteen, who endorsed Democrats like John Kerry, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden, has a history of political engagement, from his 1984 anti-Vietnam War anthem “Born in the U.S.A.” to his 2024 Harris rally performance. De Niro, a vocal Trump critic since 2016, has faced legal battles over his activism, including a defamation lawsuit from a Trump supporter in 2024, per CNN.
Their remarks come amid Trump’s aggressive second-term policies, including mass deportations to El Salvador’s “mega-jail” and attempts to end birthright citizenship, which Springsteen referenced in his speech about “illegal deportations.” A 2025 Pew Research poll shows 60% of Americans view the nation as more divided than during the Civil War era, aligning with Springsteen’s claim of a “politically, spiritually, and emotionally” fractured country.
Trump responded on Truth Social on May 16, calling Springsteen “highly overrated” and a “dumb as a rock” liberal, with a veiled threat about his U.S. re-entry. He also attacked Taylor Swift, suggesting his criticism diminished her popularity. The American Federation of Musicians defended both artists, stating, “Musicians have the right to freedom of expression.”
Impact and Public Sentiment
Springsteen’s setlist, featuring “Born to Run,” “Thunder Road,” and a rare cover of Bob Dylan’s “Chimes of Freedom,” reinforced his message of hope amid despair. The Guardian praised the concert as a “fiery show that imagines a better America,” noting its “elegance and beauty” in addressing national loss. X posts reflected the divide, with @DisavowTrump20 urging followers to “stand with Springsteen,” while others called him “clueless.”
De Niro’s speech, while less viral, amplified the narrative of cultural resistance. His call for global action resonated with 45% of Cannes attendees polled by Variety, who agreed that artists should address political issues. However, 30% felt it was inappropriate for a film festival, mirroring criticism of Springsteen’s foreign stage choice.
Engaging with the Issue
Springsteen and De Niro’s speeches highlight the role of art in political discourse, but they also underscore the risks of alienating fans in a polarized climate. To navigate this debate:
- Explore Springsteen’s Work: Listen to Born in the U.S.A. or Land of Hope and Dreams on Spotify to understand his vision of America.
- Read the Context: Visit NPR or The Guardian for balanced coverage of Trump’s policies and celebrity activism.
- Support Free Speech: Donate to organizations like the ACLU to protect artistic and political expression.
- Reflect Critically: Consider both sides—does celebrity activism inspire change or deepen divides? Share your thoughts in the comments.
As Springsteen’s tour continues (next shows: Manchester, May 17 and 20; Liverpool, June 4 and 7), and with his upcoming Tracks II: The Lost Albums release on June 27, his voice remains a cultural force. Whether you agree or disagree, his and De Niro’s courage in speaking out invites us to reflect on democracy, art, and the values that define a nation.
