Presidents of two chapters of the American Federation of Musicians have issued a statement backing Bruce Springsteen following criticism from President Donald Trump. The union leaders defended Springsteen's right to free expression after Trump called for a MAGA boycott of the artist's tour on Truth Social. This comes days after Springsteen criticized the Trump administration at his tour's opening show in Minnesota.
Dan Point, president of AFM Local 802 in Manhattan, and Marc Sazer, president of Local 47 in Los Angeles, released a joint statement on Thursday. Springsteen is a member of Locals 47 and 399 in Asbury Park, New Jersey. The leaders said, “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.” They described Springsteen as “a voice for working people, a symbol of American resilience, and an inspiration to millions,” adding that his music from Nebraska to Born to Run has “spoken truth to power for decades.” The presidents affirmed, “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 defend that right, they stated. Trump had posted on Truth Social earlier that day, calling Springsteen a “bad, and very boring singer” who looks like a “dried up prune” with “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” He urged MAGA followers to boycott the overpriced concerts. The post followed Springsteen's Land of Hope and Dreams tour kickoff two days earlier in Minnesota, where he described the administration as “corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous.” He called for choosing “hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism.” A White House representative referred inquiries to the president's Truth Social post. Springsteen has faced similar criticism before, including from White House statements labeling him a “loser” with “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Despite the backlash, Springsteen told the Minnesota Star Tribune last month that he is prepared for it, stating, “My job is very simple: I do what I want to do, I say what I want to say, and then people get to say what they want to say about it.”
