Springsteen and De Niro Slam Trump in Bold Overseas Speeches

Bruce Springsteen kicked off his Land of Hope and Dreams tour in Manchester on May 14 with more than just music—he used the stage to deliver a fiery critique of former President Donald Trump. Calling Trump’s administration “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous,” Springsteen urged fans to reject authoritarianism and stand up for democracy.

His remarks sparked a swift backlash, with some accusing him of being unpatriotic for criticizing the U.S. while abroad. Supporters, however, applauded his willingness to speak out. A longtime Democrat, Springsteen backed Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 election and labeled Trump “the most dangerous candidate” he’s ever seen, citing concerns about democracy, civil rights, and equality.

Just one day earlier, actor Robert De Niro delivered a similarly passionate speech at the Cannes Film Festival, where he received an honorary Palme d’Or. De Niro warned about growing threats to democracy in the U.S., slamming Trump’s leadership, cuts to arts funding, and a proposed 100% tariff on foreign films. “We can’t just sit back and watch,” he told the audience, urging international resistance to rising authoritarianism.

Both speeches triggered intense reactions online, drawing praise from fans and fierce criticism from detractors. Despite Trump’s reelection, Springsteen and De Niro remain defiant, using their global platforms to call for civic engagement and a renewed defense of democratic values.