Bruce Springsteen defends anti-Trump, anti-ICE statements: ‘Blowback is just part of it’
Bruce Springsteen is set to headline the “No Kings” rally in St. Paul this weekend, using the platform to defend his criticisms of ICE and President Trump.
In an interview with The Minnesota Star Tribune, Springsteen highlighted the importance of timing in his music and activism. “When you have the opportunity to perform something meaningful at the right moment, it lifts both the message and the performance,” he said. “That’s always what I’m looking for.”
The St. Paul event also marks the start of Springsteen’s 20-day “Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour,” which kicks off March 31 in Minneapolis. The tour comes on the heels of his latest track, “Streets of Minneapolis,” a protest song that challenges President Trump’s administration for sending federal agents to enforce immigration laws in the state.
Springsteen defended his politically charged music despite criticism. Quoting fellow musician Tom Morello, he said, “Nuance is wonderful, and sometimes you have to kick them in the teeth.” He added, “I do what I want to do, I say what I want to say, and then people can respond however they choose. That’s the way I’ve always operated. Losing part of your audience comes with the territory, and I’ve always accepted that as part of the role we play culturally.”
When asked whether his activism feels especially urgent now, Springsteen pointed to the country’s current challenges. “I can’t recall a time when our core values and ideas have been under such pressure,” he said. “It reminds me of 1968, when I was 18. The stakes feel enormous, and who we are as a nation feels like it’s on the line. It’s a critical moment.”
Springsteen has been particularly outspoken against ICE following the death of Renee Good in January. Earlier this year, during a Minneapolis concert, he called on federal agents to leave the city. “If you believe in democracy and liberty, if you believe truth still matters, if you believe the law should apply to everyone, and if you oppose heavily armed federal forces entering cities and intimidating citizens, then make your voice heard to this president,” Springsteen told the audience.
He echoed the city’s leadership, adding, “As the mayor has said, ICE should get out of Minneapolis.”
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