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On May 16, former President Donald Trump stirred controversy by taking aim at two beloved music legends—Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen—on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump posted a jab at Swift, saying: “Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she’s no longer ‘HOT?’” He then turned his attention to Springsteen, calling him “dumb as a rock” and “a pushy, obnoxious JERK.”
These comments didn’t come out of nowhere. Trump’s dig at Swift came shortly after her endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris in the upcoming 2024 election. He’s previously mocked her appearance at the Super Bowl, where she received mixed reactions from the crowd. As for Springsteen, Trump appeared to be reacting to the rock icon’s recent criticism of his administration, made during a concert in Manchester, England.
It didn’t take long for a powerful group to step in. The American Federation of Musicians (AFM)—a union representing over 70,000 professional musicians—issued a strong statement condemning Trump’s attacks.
AFM President Tino Gagliardi said plainly, “We will not remain silent as two of our members are singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States.” He went on to describe Swift and Springsteen as not only brilliant musicians but global role models, whose art has inspired and united millions.
Gagliardi also stood firmly behind both artists’ freedom of speech, emphasizing that musicians, like all citizens, have the right to express their views—especially when it comes to democracy and leadership. He highlighted the cultural impact of both Swift’s Eras Tour and Springsteen’s iconic Born in the U.S.A. era, calling their work “timeless and deeply meaningful.”
According to the union, Swift is a member of its Nashville branch, while Springsteen belongs to the Los Angeles and New Jersey chapters.
Neither artist has responded publicly to Trump’s latest remarks—but both have been outspoken about their disapproval of him in the past. Swift has publicly condemned his policies, especially regarding women’s rights and voting issues. Springsteen, too, hasn’t minced words, having once called Trump a threat to American democracy in an interview with The Atlantic back in 2020.
For now, Trump’s jabs seem to be doing little more than firing up Swift and Springsteen’s fan bases—and reinforcing their roles as bold voices in American culture and politics.