Donald Trump Slams Bruce Springsteen as a “Dried Out ‘Prune’” Following Manchester Show

Donald Trump lashes out at Bruce Springsteen after his critical speeches at the Manchester concert, calling him a “dried out prune” and criticizing his politics and talent.

Bruce Springsteen’s Bold Manchester Speeches Stir Controversy

Bruce Springsteen didn’t hold back during his May 14th concert at Manchester’s Co-Op Live. Known for his powerful music and heartfelt lyrics, The Boss used the platform to deliver three pointed speeches criticizing the US President Donald Trump and his administration. It was a night charged with passion, music, and political fire.

Bruce Springsteen and Donald Trump

Springsteen kicked off the show with a rendition of “Land of Hope and Dreams,” setting the tone for the evening. He addressed the crowd:

“It’s great to be in Manchester and back in the UK. Welcome to the Land of Hope and Dreams Tour! The mighty E St. Band is here tonight to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock ‘n roll in dangerous times.”

A Strong Call Against Corruption

He continued with a stinging critique of the current US administration:

“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. 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!”

Watch Bruce Springsteen performing Land of Hope and Dreams at Manchester:

Uniting People Against Authoritarianism

Before performing “House of a Thousand Guitars,” Springsteen urged the crowd to stand strong:

“The last check, the last check on power after the checks and balances of government have failed are the people, you and me. It’s in the union of people around a common set of values now that’s all that stands between a democracy and authoritarianism. At the end of the day, all we’ve got is each other.”

Addressing Urgent Issues in America

Springsteen’s final political message came just before “City of Ruin,” where he painted a grim picture of the state of affairs back home:

“There’s some very weird, strange, and dangerous shit going on out there right now. In America they are persecuting people for using their right to free speech and voicing their dissent. This is happening now.”

He continued:

“In America the richest men are taking satisfaction in abandoning the world’s poorest children to sickness and death. This is happening now. In my country they’re taking sadistic pleasure in the pain they inflict on loyal American workers. They’re rolling back historic civil rights legislation that has led to a more just and plural society. They are abandoning our great allies and siding with dictators against those struggling for their freedom. They are defunding American universities that won’t bow down to their ideological demands. They are removing residents off American streets and without due process of law, are deporting them to foreign detention centers and prisons. This is all happening now.”

Springsteen wrapped up his heartfelt sermon with a strong message of hope inspired by James Baldwin:

“A majority of our elected representatives have failed to protect the American people from the abuses of an unfit president and a rogue government. They have no concern or idea for what it means to be deeply American. The America I’ve sung to you about for 50 years is real and regardless of its faults is a great country with a great people. So we’ll survive this moment. Now, I have hope, because I believe in the truth of what the great American writer James Baldwin said, he said ‘in this world there isn’t as much humanity as one would like, but there’s enough.’ Let’s pray.”

Before singing of his city of ruin, Bruce Springsteen preaches of what is happening back home. He pulls no punches in a harsh sermon. This is part one of two on May 14, 2025 in Manchester. Papa preach.

— The Unspin Room

Donald Trump Fires Back with Harsh Words

Reacting to Springsteen’s fiery speeches, Donald Trump took to Truth Social to strike back with equally harsh criticism. He wrote:

“I see that Highly Overrated Bruce Springsteen goes to a Foreign Country to speak badly about the President of the United States. Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics and, importantly, he’s not a talented guy — Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK.”

He didn’t hold back on the insults:

“This dried out ‘prune’ of a rocker (his skin is all atrophied!) ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country, that’s just ‘standard fare.’ Then we’ll all see how it goes for him!”

A Long History of Criticism

Bruce Springsteen has been an outspoken critic of Donald Trump for years. He publicly endorsed Kamala Harris in the recent presidential election and performed at one of her rallies, standing firmly against Trump’s policies. Springsteen has even called Trump “mentally ill” in past public statements.

After Trump’s election victory, Springsteen opened a show with a “fighting prayer” for America, signaling his ongoing commitment to political activism through his music.

Touring the UK and Europe

The Manchester show marked the start of Springsteen’s UK and European tour, which will continue through July. Fans across the continent can expect a combination of iconic songs and passionate speeches during these performances.

Collaborations and Recent Performances

Aside from his political activism, Springsteen has been jamming with musical legends like John Fogerty, Smokey Robinson, Jackson Browne, Tom Morello, Darlene Love, and Nora Guthrie at a special intimate event in his home state of New Jersey last month. This gathering celebrated musical camaraderie and legacy.

What do you think about artists using their platforms for political messages? Does it add depth to the concert experience or detract from the music?

• How did Bruce Springsteen criticize Donald Trump in Manchester?
  Springsteen delivered three speeches during his concert condemning the Trump administration for corruption, incompetence, and attacks on democracy.
• What was Donald Trump's response to Springsteen's speeches?
  Trump called Springsteen a “dried out prune,” criticized his talent, and told him to keep quiet until returning to the US.
• Has Bruce Springsteen been politically active before?
  Yes, Springsteen has a history of political activism, including endorsing Kamala Harris and criticizing Trump publicly.
• What songs did Springsteen perform with political messages in Manchester?
  Notably, “Land of Hope and Dreams,” “House of a Thousand Guitars,” and “City of Ruin” featured his political commentary.
• Is Springsteen’s tour ongoing?
  Yes, after Manchester, Springsteen is touring the UK and Europe through July 2025.

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