Bruce Springsteen calls Trump ‘wannabe king’ as he announces US tour ‘in defense of America’

WASHINGTON, DC: Bruce Springsteen, the veteran rocker known for his long career and socially conscious music, has announced a new US leg of the ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ tour, which he says will run for three months.

In a video shared ahead of the announcement, Springsteen framed the tour not just as a series of concerts, but as a defense of American values, touching on themes of democracy, freedom, and what he described as threats to the nation’s core political principles.

Bruce Springsteen warns of 'dark' times in America

In his announcement video, Springsteen said the United States is living through “dark, disturbing and dangerous times,” and that his tour will be a celebration of what he described as the American dream and democratic ideals. “But do not despair, the cavalry is coming,” the 76-year-old continued. 

“Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be taking the stage this spring from Minneapolis to California, to Texas, to Washington, DC for the ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ American tour.”

“We will be rocking your town in celebration and in defense of America, American democracy, American freedom, our American constitution, and our sacred American dream, all of which are under attack by our wannabe king and his rouge government in Washington, DC,” he added.

Springsteen also used the occasion to criticize President Donald Trump, calling him a “wannabe king” and referring to the current government as a “rogue government in Washington, DC.”

Those remarks reflect Springsteen’s well-documented history of commenting on political and social issues, which he has expressed in performances and public statements over many years.

Bruce Springsteen launches ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ tour

He invited fans of all political perspectives to attend the shows, saying, "Everyone, regardless of where you stand or what you believe in, is welcome.”

“So, come on out and join the United free republic of E Street nation for an American spring of rock and rebellion,” the 'Born to Run' singer declared.

Notably, Springsteen joins a cohort of fellow celebrities who have been criticizing the enforcement of US law in recent weeks, with many taking to social media or red carpet interviews to issue diatribes while Democrat lawmakers stoke the flames. 

The tour comes just weeks after Springsteen released a new song, ‘Streets of Minneapolis,’ written in response to controversial federal immigration enforcement actions in Minnesota, which has attracted attention for its political content.

The song was dedicated to residents affected by those events, and Springsteen has used recent performances to express his views on immigration policy and government actions.