Donald Trump has called for a federal investigation into Bruce Springsteen and other musicians for allegedly illegally supporting Kamala Harris’ campaign.
Bruce Springsteen has once again found himself in the political crosshairs, this time as the focus of a new rant from US President Donald Trump. Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump demanded what he called a “major investigation” into the legendary rock icon, accusing him of receiving improper payments during Kamala Harris’ 2024 campaign for President.
“HOW MUCH DID KAMALA HARRIS PAY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN FOR HIS POOR PERFORMANCE DURING HER CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENT? WHY DID HE ACCEPT THAT MONEY IF HE IS SUCH A FAN OF HERS? ISN’T THAT A MAJOR AND ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION?” the post reads. “I am going to call for a major investigation into this matter…IT’S NOT LEGAL! For these unpatriotic “entertainers,” this was just a CORRUPT & UNLAWFUL way to capitalise on a broken system.”
The outburst follows Springsteen’s fiery onstage criticism of Trump during a recent show in Manchester, where he condemned the “corruption” and “incompetence” of the former president and warned of creeping authoritarianism in the United States. His comments were part of a broader speech that championed democratic values and called on concertgoers to stand up for civil liberties.
“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,” Springsteen said at the time. “Tonight, we ask all who believe in democracy and the best of our American experiment to rise with us, raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring!”
In response, Trump questioned whether Harris had paid Springsteen for his support during the campaign, suggesting it constituted an illegal campaign contribution. He also took aim at other celebrity figures including Beyoncé, Bono, and Oprah, insinuating they were part of a larger “corrupt” scheme to boost Harris’ public image. As with many of Trump’s online statements, no evidence was provided to back these claims.
Trump’s latest criticism marks his second public attack on Springsteen within days. On May 16, he mocked the musician’s appearance, calling him a “dried out prune” after the Manchester show made headlines for its powerful political message.
Springsteen has never hidden his disdain for Trump, having previously referred to him as “mentally ill” and performing at one of Kamala Harris’ rallies during the November’s presidential election.
The American Federation of Musicians released a statement in support of Springsteen and Taylor Swift, who was also named in Trump’s tirade, calling the former president’s remarks “targeted” personal attacks.
“[We] will not remain silent as two of our members—Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift—are singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States,” the statement reads. “Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift are not just brilliant musicians, they are role models and inspirations to millions of people in the United States and across the world…Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members.”
With the 2024 US election looming, it appears the battle lines between artists and politicians are being redrawn — and Bruce Springsteen remains unafraid to be on the front lines.
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