Trump calls for Bruce Springsteen boycott after singer criticises ICE raids

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has urged his supporters to stop attending Bruce Springsteen concerts after the veteran musician criticised immigration raids carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, according to a report published by Dawn.

Trump made the remarks on his Truth Social platform, where he targeted Springsteen over comments the singer made during a concert in Philadelphia. In that appearance, Springsteen condemned the treatment of migrants and criticised the administration’s immigration policies.

Springsteen told the audience that what was happening in the United States was not normal and described the situation in stark terms. He said the country was seeing people being taken from their homes and workplaces without due process. He also referred to what he called the persecution of people for using their right to free speech and voicing dissent.

Responding to those remarks, Trump said Springsteen ought to keep politics out of his performances and suggested that his supporters should avoid the artist’s shows. The president’s comments marked the latest exchange in a long-running political divide between the two men, with Springsteen having previously backed Democratic candidates and publicly opposed Trump.

In his post, Trump criticised the singer in personal terms and dismissed his political views. He also accused Springsteen of using his platform to attack the country while performing before large crowds.

The dispute comes amid continued debate in the United States over immigration enforcement and the role of public figures in political activism. Springsteen has for years used concerts and public appearances to comment on social and political issues, while Trump has frequently responded to criticism from entertainers and other prominent figures through social media statements.

Concert remarks drew political response

Springsteen’s comments were made during a live performance, where he spoke directly to concertgoers about the state of the country. He criticised ICE raids and broader government actions, framing them as an attack on democratic values and civil liberties.

Trump’s reaction quickly followed, with the president calling on his political base to shun the rock star. The exchange added to a broader pattern of clashes between Trump and celebrities who have spoken against his policies.

Springsteen said people were being taken from their homes and workplaces without due process.

The latest episode reflects how cultural figures and political leaders in the United States continue to confront one another publicly over immigration, free speech and the direction of the country.