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Donald Trump

Did Bruce Springsteen call Trump 'treasonous' at DC show?

Portrait of Mike Stunson Mike Stunson
USA TODAY NETWORK
Updated May 28, 2026, 9:55 a.m. ET

Bruce Springsteen, a frequent critic of Donald Trump, lashed out against the president Wednesday during the iconic rocker's concert at Nationals Park in Washington DC.

Performing with his E Street Band May 27, Springsteen issued a call for action as he began his long-awaited set for his Land Of Hope & Dreams American Tour.

Here's what the "Born in the U.S.A." singer had to say about Trump on Wednesday.

What did Bruce Springsteen say about Donald Trump in Washington DC?

Before beginning his 27-song setlist, Springsteen addressed the DC crowd and paid his respects to US military troops fighting in the Middle East.

"Now the E Street Band is here tonight in celebration and defense of the American ideals and values that have sustained our country for 250 years," he said. "We are here to call upon the righteous power of art, of music, of rock and roll in these troubled times. Our democracy, our constitution, our rule of law are being challenged right now as never before by a reckless, racist, incompetent, treasonous president.

"So tonight, we ask all of you to join in with us in choosing hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism, the rules of law over lawlessness, ethics over unbridled corruption, resistance over complacency, truth over lies, unity over division and peace over war," Springsteen said, his last remark beginning his rendition of The Temptations' song "War."

Springsteen played many of his celebrated songs during the set and even unveiled he will be joining Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Tom Morello, Jack Black and more at the Power to the People Festival in nearby Columbia, Maryland, in October.

The festival, set a month before the midterm elections, is being referred to as a "non-partisan celebration of peace, justice, solidarity, music, and community action."

Springsteen continued to address the crowd during his performance, saying the city needed "some strength and some hope and some faith."

"This American tragedy can only be stopped by the American people: you. There is no one coming to save us, we've got to do it ourselves.

"Are you with us, Washington? Let them hear you at the f****** White House," he told a roaring crowd.

Earlier this spring, Trump called for a boycott of Springsteen's shows, calling him a "total loser who spews hate."

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