Springsteen Declares War on Trump in Fiery Minneapolis Tour Opener
Springsteen Declares War on Trump in Fiery Minneapolis Tour Opener
Bruce Springsteen uses the Minneapolis kickoff of his Land of Hope and Dreams tour to condemn Trump and defend democracy, delivering a politically charged, high-energy show.
Before a single note was played, the band walked on in total darkness, with Springsteen arriving last to a capacity crowd at the Target Center in Minneapolis. He addressed concertgoers in a way he hasn’t often done on tour, delivering a message that mixed music with a clear political call to action. He said, "I want to begin the night with a prayer for our men and women overseas," then urged the audience to unite through art as a shield for democracy.
The night framed itself as a defense of American ideals, with Springsteen reminding fans that the music they love has long stood for liberty and constitutional values. He went on to describe the current administration as corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless, and treasonous, and urged concertgoers to choose hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism, and the rule of law over lawlessness. The crowd absorbed every line as the band prepared to lean into the night’s political charge.
When the lights finally came up, the set surged into Edwin Starr’s protest anthem "War," a fiery opener that featured special guest Tom Morello on guitar. Springsteen roamed the stage with theatrical intensity, moving into a stirring version of "Born in the U.S.A."—a track he has recently allowed the ACLU to use in advocacy work—before driving straight back into the message that America’s best defense is unity and accountability.
The performer repeatedly framed the show as a moment of resistance and renewal, insisting that art can be a force for democracy. “Tonight, we are here in celebration and defense of our American ideals, democracy, our Constitution, and our sacred American promise,” he proclaimed. The performance blended blistering rock with a long-running political script, inviting the audience to engage, reflect, and act.
As the night wore on, the crowd’s energy matched Springsteen’s intensity, turning the arena into a rallying point where music and political conviction intersected. It was a bold, timely move for a tour that bears the name Land of Hope and Dreams, signaling that the music itself has become a platform for civic dialogue and accountability.
