An unforeseen event is taking place in the realm of American icons.
Two of the most legendary voices in entertainment—rock legend bruce springsteen and oscar-winning actor robert de niro—have emerged as some of the fiercest critics of the trump administration, and they’re not holding back.
From sold-out concert arenas in manchester to the global stage of the cannes film festival, these cultural giants are using their platforms to speak out in ways that have shocked audiences, infuriated critics, and reignited fierce debate across social media.
What is the significance of their findings—and why are they making this announcement now? As political tensions mount and america approaches another pivotal crossroads, the voices of springsteen and de niro are stirring both admiration and outrage. The question is: are they risking their legacies, or simply doing what true artists have always done—speak truth to power?.Â
Bruce springsteen criticizes trump administration in fiery on-stage speech that’s gaining traction online.Â
Bruce springsteen, famously known for his anthem “born in the u.S.A.,” has long been vocal about his political beliefs. A prominent supporter of donald trump’s opponents in the 2024 presidential race, the music legend didn’t hold back during a recent concert, offering a searing critique of the former president and his administration.Â
On may 14, while performing in manchester as part of his “land of hope and dreams” tour with the e street band, springsteen delivered a passionate message about the current state of the united states.Â
‘in my home, the america i love—the one i’ve written about for decades and that has stood as a symbol of hope and liberty for 250 years—is now in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration,’ he told the crowdÂ
Urging fans to stand against authoritarianism, springsteen declared, ‘tonight, we call on all those who believe in democracy and the american ideal to rise with us. Speak up. “Hear the sound of liberty.”Â
His remarks rapidly gained attention on the internet, leading to a wave of responses from people. While some fans praised his courage, others criticized his decision to speak out on foreign soil. ‘you can’t slam your president in front of a foreign audience,’ one user wrote. Another commented, ‘he’s lost his mind,’ while others suggested he should leave the country if he’s so unhappy.
However, Bruce Springsteen also received support for his bold stance. ‘amazing words—thank you, bruce!’ one fan wrote. Another person expressed their admiration for Bruce’s ability to speak from the depths of his heart. ‘We require more individuals like him.’.Â
Springsteen openly endorsed tim walz and kamala harris in the 2024 election, citing their commitment to inclusivity, equality, and a vision of america that benefits everyone—not just the wealthy.
In contrast, he categorized Trump as the most dangerous candidate for president in his lifetime, accusing him of jeopardizing the constitution, democracy, and the peaceful transition of power.Â
Despite trump’s electoral victory and the loss of his preferred candidates, springsteen has continued to speak out. ‘america’s strength is rooted in our values: freedom, fairness, opportunity, and love,’ he said. ‘that’s the country i’ve written about for 55 years.’.Â
Springsteen ended by stating that while everyone has the right to their political viewpoint, he regards his vote as a highly cherished right—one he will utilize to endorse leaders he genuinely believes in.Â
Just before springsteen’s comments, actor Robert De Niro also gained attention for criticizing Trump during his speech at the Cannes Film Festival on May 13. Accepting an honorary palme d’or for lifetime achievement, de niro delved into political commentary.Â
‘in my country, we are fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,’ he saidÂ
The renowned actor voiced his disapproval of Trump’s cultural policies, particularly his self-selection as the leader of the john f. Kennedy center for the performing arts, cuts to arts funding, and a proposed 100% tariff on foreign-made films.
‘all these attacks are unacceptable,’ de niro asserted. ‘and this isn’t just america’s problem—it’s a global one.’.
He encouraged the audience not to be passive. ‘like in a movie, we can’t just sit back and watch. We must take action—calmly, fervently, and resolutely. ‘Organize, demonstrate, and most importantly, cast your ballot.’Â
Opinions on de niro’s speech on social media varied. While some praised him for his bravery, others criticized him for being disconnected from reality.Â
De Niro attended the Cannes Film Festival with his partner Tiffany Chen and their daughter Helen Grace, who was born through surrogacy in 2011. He has a total of six children from prior unions.Â
Bruce Springsteen and Robert De Niro expressed their strong criticism of Donald Trump in fiery remarks made overseas.Â
Bruce Springsteen, the legendary ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ singer and a vocal critic of Donald Trump during the 2024 presidential election, is once again making headlines for his unwavering political commentary. At a may 14 concert in manchester, england—part of his ‘land of hope and dreams’ tour with the e street band—springsteen launched a powerful verbal assault on trump’s administration, calling it ‘corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous.’.
‘in my home, the america i love—the america i’ve written about for decades, which has stood as a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years—is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration,’ springsteen told the crowd, drawing both cheers and controversy.Â
He followed with a call to action: ‘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.’.Â
The response on the web was rapid and polarizing. Critics raised concerns about his decision to publicly criticize a U.S. President while in a foreign country. ‘It is inappropriate to criticize your president in front of a foreign audience,’ one individual commented. Another person added, ‘he’s clueless,’ while others proposed that if springsteen is so disillusioned, he should consider leaving the country.Â
Despite the criticism, many defended him, expressing their admiration for his powerful words and writing, “amazing words—thank you, bruce!” Another commented, ‘i adore bruce and his sincere rants. “I wish more artists would voice their opinions.”
Springsteen has openly expressed his political views. He endorsed democratic candidates tim walz and kamala harris in 2024, calling them ‘the most qualified to lead us through one of the most critical periods in our nation’s history.’ he expressed deep concerns about trump and vice president j.D. Vance, arguing that they represent an authoritarian threat.Â
‘the united states hasn’t felt this politically, emotionally, and spiritually fractured since the civil war,’ springsteen said Despite the challenges, he maintained optimism: ‘we can still unite.’ ‘We can still restore our common values and past.’.Â
He stressed that the United States’ strength is not solely based on its economy or military but on its core principles—freedom, fairness, equal opportunity, and the freedom to love whomever one desires.
Describing trump as ‘the most dangerous candidate for president’ he’s seen in his lifetime, springsteen added, ‘his disdain for the constitution, for democracy, for the peaceful transfer of power—should disqualify him from holding the presidency ever again.’.Â
Despite the 2024 election outcome in trump’s favor, springsteen remains undeterred.’my vote is my most sacred right,’ he said. ‘i will always use it to support leaders who reflect the america i believe in—the one i’ve been writing about for 55 years.’.Â
De niro echoes springsteen’s criticism at cannes.
Just a day before springsteen’s remarks, acclaimed actor Robert De Niro ignited similar controversy during a politically charged speech at the Cannes Film Festival on May 13. While receiving an honorary palm d’or for lifetime achievement, the Oscar-winning actor didn’t hold back in criticizing the cultural and political legacy of the current president.Â
‘in my country, we’re fighting like hell for the democracy we once took for granted,’ de niro said That is the reason why we are a danger to despots and extremists.Â
De Niro expressed his anger towards Trump’s appointment as chair of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, along with the proposed reduction in funding for the arts, humanities, and education, has sparked controversy and debate. He also criticized a plan to impose a complete tax on movies made outside of the country.
‘This is not acceptable at all.’ And this isn’t just an American problem—it’s a global one,’ de niro warned. ‘like a film, we can’t just sit back and watch. We must take action—peacefully, but with unwavering passion and determination. Arrange: Demonstration: ‘Vote’:Â
The reactions to de niro’s speech were similar to those to springsteen’s: intense and divided. On TikTok, one user commented, “A man with courage,” while another user stated, “Words hold immense power when spoken with conviction.” Facebook users, however, had differing opinions on the matter. While some commended his audacity, others criticized him for being disconnected and impolite.Â
De Niro was accompanied by his partner, Tiffany Chen, and their daughter, Helen Grace, who was born through surrogacy in 2011. De niro has six children in total, coming from previous relationships.Â
Reflecting on his connection with the festival, de niro remarked, ‘especially now, when there’s so much division in the world, cannes brings us together—storytellers, filmmakers, fans, and friends.’ It’s like returning to one’s place of comfort.