Taylor Swift, Bruce Springsteen and the joy of misheard lyrics

US Musicians Union Stands Fiercely With Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift as Trump’s Attacks Go Viral

The American Federation of Musicians isn’t backing down. As Bruce Springsteen faced a wave of online criticism—and a direct attack from former President Donald Trump—the union issued a bold statement of solidarity, not just for Springsteen, but also for Taylor Swift, who has likewise faced relentless political vitriol.

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It all started Wednesday night in Manchester, England, where Springsteen took a moment during his sold-out concert to speak from the heart about the state of his country. In front of thousands, with cameras rolling, The Boss declared:
“In my home, the America I love—the America I’ve written about, that has been a beacon of hope and liberty for 250 years—is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous administration. 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!”

Springsteen’s full speech, now posted to YouTube and his official website, didn’t shy away from deeper criticism:
“The richest men are taking sadistic pleasure in the pain they inflict on loyal American workers. They’re rolling back historic civil rights legislation that made this nation more just and plural. They’re abandoning our great allies and siding with dictators against those fighting for their freedom.”

As clips of the speech spread like wildfire across social media, Trump fired back on his platform, calling Springsteen “Highly Overrated” and labeling him a “pushy, obnoxious JERK” with “Radical Left Politics.” He ended his rant by calling Joe Biden “mentally incompetent” and “our WORST EVER President.”

But the American Federation of Musicians quickly countered Trump’s tirade. In a public statement, they voiced unwavering support for Springsteen and Swift, condemning political intimidation against artists and defending the right to speak truth to power:
“Artists like Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift represent the best of American values: freedom of expression, courage, and compassion. We stand in complete solidarity with them and with all musicians using their voices to fight for democracy and justice.”

In an era where speaking out can cost careers, their stand—and that of the union—isn’t just about music. It’s about defending the very soul of American democracy.