Bruce Springsteen Skewers Trump at U.S. Tour Opener: ‘We Have a President Who Can’t Handle the Truth’

'This is Happening Now' Bruce Springsteen Skewers Trump at U.S. Tour Opener: ‘We Have a President Who Can’t Handle the Truth’ During opening night of the Land of Hope and Dreams Tour with the E Street Band, Springsteen called on the audience to "fight for the America that we love" By Charisma Madarang Charisma Madarang Contact Charisma Madarang on X Contact Charisma Madarang by Email View all posts by Charisma Madarang April 1, 2026 A few days ago, Bruce Springsteen declared that his Land of Hope and Dreams Tour with the E Street Band was going to be political . The musician followed through on his promise during the U.S. run’s opening night on Tuesday, March 31, in Minneapolis . Springsteen kicked off the concert with a rendition of Edwin Starr’s 1970 Motown smash “War.” (Notably, the song hit Number One at the height of the Vietnam War, and returned to the Top 10 in 1986 after Springsteen released his live cover as a single.) His setlist at the packed Target Center was loaded with his classics from “Born in the U.S.A.” to “The Rising.” As expected, his comments during the performance echoed his sentiments when he took the stage last weekend in Minnesota to perform “Streets of Minneapolis” at the flagship No Kings rally. Mid-show, however, he ramped up his criticism of President Donald Trump and called on the audience to “fight for the America that we love.” According to Variety , Springsteen addressed the crowd and said, “We are living through some very dark times,” adding, “Our American values that have sustained us for 250 years are being challenged as never before. We’ve got our young men and women’s lives at risk In an unconstitutional and illegal war.” The artist took aim at the Trump administration and said, “Our Justice Department has completely abdicated its independence, and our Attorney General Pam Bondi takes her marching orders straight from a corrupt White House.” As her pressed on, he addressed the reshaping of American cultural and historical instit...