Trump calls Springsteen ‘obnoxious jerk’, says Taylor Swift ‘no longer hot’; artists, AFM fire back

The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) issued a statement condemning Trump’s remarks.

US President Donald Trump reignited his long-standing feud with American pop icons Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift, lashing out at both musicians in a fiery social media rant on Friday.

Calling Bruce Springsteen an “obnoxious JERK” and Taylor Swift “no longer HOT,” Trump used his Truth Social platform to attack the two stars while returning from a diplomatic trip to the Middle East.

The trigger was a stinging critique from Springsteen during his UK concert this week, where he declared, “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.” He added, “Raise your voices against authoritarianism and let freedom ring.”

Trump, never one to let such barbs slide, fired back in an all-caps tirade:

“Never liked him, never liked his music, or his Radical Left Politics and, importantly, he’s not a talented guy. Just a pushy, obnoxious JERK, who fervently supported Crooked Joe Biden, a mentally incompetent FOOL, and our WORST EVER President, who came close to destroying our Country. If I weren’t elected, it would have been GONE by now! Sleepy Joe didn't have a clue as to what he was doing, but Springsteen is ‘dumb as a rock,’ and couldn't see what was going on, or could he (which is even worse!).”

Trump then pivoted to Taylor Swift, referencing a past comment he made during the 2024 elections.

“Has anyone noticed that, since I said ‘I HATE TAYLOR SWIFT,’ she's no longer ‘HOT?’” he posted.

Swift had openly endorsed Trump’s opponent, Kamala Harris, in the 2024 election, declaring, “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election,” and cheekily signing off as a “childless cat lady” – a dig at VP JD Vance’s past sexist remarks.

Trump’s post drew sharp criticism online and sparked a wave of support for both artists. One user wrote:

“Trump is wrong! Since Donald Trump's aggressive attitude and irrational statements against Taylor Swift and Bruce Springsteen, do I, and many with me, have much bigger respect for these two performers when they take a stand... Many more celebrities in (sic) should have the same guts.”

The backlash wasn't limited to social media. The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) issued a statement condemning Trump’s remarks.

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“The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada will not remain silent as two of our members, Springsteen and Taylor Swift, are singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States,” said AFM President Tino Gagliardi.

“Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift are not just brilliant musicians, they are role models and inspirations to millions of people in the United States and across the world.”

He added, “Whether it’s Born in the USA or the Eras Tour, their music is timeless, impactful, and has deep cultural meaning. Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members.”

The cultural fallout is extending beyond music. Since Trump was appointed chairman of the Kennedy Center for the Arts (which he notably never visited during his first term), artists have started pulling out. The acclaimed musical Hamilton cancelled its upcoming Washington run.

Meanwhile, at the Cannes Film Festival, Hollywood legend Robert De Niro took aim at Trump’s protectionist stance on cinema, particularly his proposal for a 100 percent tariff on non-US films.

While accepting the honorary Palme d’Or at the 78th edition of the festival, De Niro didn’t mince words:

“[Trump is] America’s philistine president” and “a threat to art.”

He added, “US citizens are now fighting for democracy.”