Bruce Springsteen used the opening night of his latest tour to accuse Attorney General Pam Bondi of helping to protect President Donald Trump.
He told a sold-out crowd in Minneapolis that Bondi “covers up for his misdeeds and protects his powerful friends.” These remarks came during the launch of Springsteen and the E Street Band’s “Land of Hope and Dreams” American tour at Target Center on Tuesday night.
Springsteen, 76, delivered this message from the stage as part of a broader criticism of the Trump administration. He stated that the Justice Department had “completely abdicated its independence” and claimed that Bondi was taking orders from “a corrupt White House.”
He also criticized immigration enforcement, cuts to foreign aid, U.S. policy toward allies, and the administration’s approach to American history in public institutions.
Bruce Springsteen went on a fiery tirade aimed at Donald Trump and Pam Bondi during the opening night of his “Land of Hope and Dreams” tour in Minneapolis:
“We are living through some very dark times. Our American values that have sustained us for 250 years are being challenged… pic.twitter.com/naw0CQXXHx
— Variety (@Variety) April 1, 2026
The concert lasted nearly three hours and featured 27 songs, with political messages woven throughout the performance. Springsteen opened with The Temptations’ “War” and later spoke about democracy, the rule of law, and public ethics as he interacted with the audience between songs.
The Associated Press reported that the show served as a political statement, while other outlets noted that Springsteen linked his message to ongoing debates over immigration and the war in Iran.
Springsteen also told the crowd that the United States was losing its standing in the world under Trump. He said many now see the country as “reckless, unpredictable,” and predatory. He urged supporters to choose “hope over fear” and democracy over authoritarianism. Later, he remarked that Trump “can’t handle the truth” while condemning attempts to “whitewash American history” in museums.
The Minneapolis concert already had political significance before the tour began. Springsteen chose the city after performing at the “No Kings” rally in nearby St. Paul days earlier.
LAND OF HOPE AND DREAMS TOUR OPENER IN MINNEAPOLIS
WAR INTO BORN IN THE USA @springsteen #Springsteen #estreetband pic.twitter.com/SXGGxVWv4h
— Spring-Nuts (@SpringNuts_) April 1, 2026
He also released “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song honoring Alex Pretti and Renée Good, two individuals whose deaths during federal immigration operations sparked local protests. The AP reported that Springsteen performed this song during Tuesday’s show, and fans responded by lifting their phones in tribute.
Springsteen’s conflict with Trump is not new, he has spent years criticizing the president, and Trump has replied in public posts. In one post on Truth Social, cited by multiple sources, Trump stated he had “never liked” Springsteen, his music, or his politics. Earlier this year, White House communications director Steven Cheung mocked Springsteen after the singer announced the tour.
His comments put Bondi directly in the spotlight as Springsteen delivered his latest critique, giving the Minneapolis opener a stronger political tone than a typical tour launch.
Instead of limiting his criticism to Trump, Springsteen specifically named the attorney general and accused her of using the Justice Department to target the president’s opponents while shielding those close to him.
With 20 tour dates set through late May, the Minneapolis speech indicated that Springsteen plans to keep politics at the forefront during the tour.
