Bruce Springsteen turned a charity performance into a pointed political statement this weekend, sharply criticizing the federal response to a fatal shooting and loudly denouncing the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in American cities.
The 76-year-old rock legend made the remarks Saturday evening during an unannounced appearance at the Light of Day WinterFest in Red Bank, New Jersey, a benefit event supporting Parkinson’s disease research. Midway through the show, Springsteen addressed the crowd at the Count Basie Center for the Arts and connected his words to a recent and highly controversial incident in Minneapolis involving ICE.
Springsteen introduced his performance of “The Promised Land” — a 1978 song from Darkness on the Edge of Town — by framing it as a tribute to both America’s potential and the values he believes are currently under threat. He noted that the United States’ ideals have never been tested like they are today, and urged the audience to stand up for democracy, liberty and the rule of law.
The musician’s remarks were especially critical of the use of armed federal agents in U.S. cities. “If you stand against heavily armed, masked federal troops invading American cities and using ‘Gestapo tactics’ against our fellow citizens, and if you believe you don’t deserve to be murdered for exercising your American right to protest, then send a message to this president,” Springsteen said, echoing comments made by Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey after a local woman was killed.
Springsteen then directly invoked the Minneapolis case, in which 37-year-old Renee Good, a mother of three and U.S. citizen, was fatally shot by an ICE agent earlier this month. The incident has sparked nationwide protests and intense debate over federal enforcement tactics. Springsteen dedicated “The Promised Land” to her memory, calling attention to the cost of what he decried as an overreach of federal power.
The remarks, delivered to loud applause, were consistent with Springsteen’s recent pattern of outspoken commentary on national politics. A longtime critic of former President Donald Trump and his policies, Springsteen has previously described the Trump administration as corrupt and treasonous and has called on fans to exercise their voices in defense of democratic principles.
In response to Springsteen’s comments, Trump took to social media to attack the singer, calling him “highly overrated” and “a pushy, obnoxious jerk.” The political tension added another layer to an already emotional event, highlighting the way current events are increasingly intersecting with public performances by artists with national platforms.
Springsteen’s unexpected appearance at Light of Day WinterFest — a concert series with a long history of supporting charitable causes — brought his political stance to a broad audience, even as fellow performers and fans used the platform to reflect on current national debates.
