Bruce Springsteen Takes a Stand: New Music, Tour, and Political Statements in 2025-2026
"Their claim was self defense, sir / Just don't believe your eyes."
New Song Release: "Streets of Minneapolis"
Springsteen released a new protest song titled "Streets of Minneapolis" on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. He stated on social media that he wrote the song on a Saturday and recorded it the following day. The song is dedicated to the people of Minneapolis, immigrant communities, and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
The full-band rock and roll track includes lyrics referencing "King Trump" and "federal thugs" from the Department of Homeland Security. Specific lyrics mention:
"Bloody footprints / Where mercy should have stood / And two dead left to die on snow-filled streets / Alex Pretti and Renee Good."
The song questions official accounts of the incidents, with lyrics including:
"Their claim was self defense, sir / Just don't believe your eyes."
Background of the Incidents
Renee Macklin Good, aged 37 and a US citizen, was fatally shot by ICE agent Jonathan Ross on January 7, 2026. Alex Pretti, also a US citizen, was killed by two Customs and Border Protection officers on January 24, 2026.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Pretti's actions as "domestic terrorism," stating he "brandished" a gun and "attacked" officers. Noem made similar statements about Good's behavior prior to her death. A preliminary government review stated Pretti resisted arrest before being shot, differing from Noem's initial statements.
The "Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour"
Tour Launch
Springsteen and the E Street Band commenced their "Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour" on March 31, 2026, at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The performance lasted 2 hours and 54 minutes, attended by approximately 20,000 people. The tour was advertised with a "No Kings" logo. Springsteen stated the tour would proceed to Portland, Oregon, and Los Angeles, and is scheduled to conclude on May 27, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Political Speeches and Statements
During the concert, Springsteen delivered four speeches. His opening remarks preceded a cover of Edwin Starr's "War." He stated the band was present "in celebration and defense of our American ideals, democracy, our Constitution, and our sacred American promise."
He described the current administration as "corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless and treasonous" and urged the audience to choose "hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism."
In his longest speech, Springsteen addressed several points:
- The Justice Department "has completely abdicated its independence" and Attorney General Pam Bondi "takes her marching orders straight from a corrupt White House"
- The dismantling of USAID
- The abandonment of NATO and the international order
- Threats to allies
- Alleged whitewashing of American history in museums, specifically regarding slavery
- Allegations that the president and his family are enriching themselves through public office
Song Dedications and Tributes
Springsteen paid tribute to Minnesota figures, quoting the last words of a woman named Renée as "That's fine, dude, I'm not mad at you." He encouraged the audience to take "aggressive, peaceful action," citing civil rights leader John Lewis's advice to "get in some good trouble."
He performed Prince's "Purple Rain" and Bob Dylan's "Chimes of Freedom." The song "Streets of Minneapolis" was performed, and Springsteen led the audience in chants of "ICE Out Now."
Full Setlist (March 31, 2026, Minneapolis)
Song Title Notes War Edwin Starr cover; opened with speech Born in the U.S.A. Death to My Hometown No Surrender Darkness on the Edge of Town Streets of Minneapolis The Promised Land Out in the Street Hungry Heart Max Weinberg performed lead vocals Youngstown Murder Incorporated American Skin (41 Shots) Addresses police violence Long Walk Home Introduced as "a prayer for our country" House of a Thousand Guitars Performed acoustically My City of Ruins Because the Night Wrecking Ball The Rising The Ghost of Tom Joad Featuring Tom Morello Badlands Land of Hope and Dreams Concluded main segment Born to Run Bobby Jean Dancing in the Dark Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out Purple Rain Prince cover Chimes of Freedom Bob Dylan coverBand Personnel and Collaborations
The current E Street Band includes original members Max Weinberg, Garry Tallent, Nils Lofgren, and Roy Bittan, all in their seventies. Other performers include Jake Clemons (saxophone) and Steve Van Zandt. Tom Morello, guitarist from Rage Against the Machine, joined the tour as a featured guitarist, performing lead vocals and guitar on "The Ghost of Tom Joad." Springsteen engaged in playful interactions with band members, including prompting Max Weinberg to sing lead vocals on parts of "Hungry Heart."
Other Performances
Power to the People Festival
Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, and Joan Baez are set to headline the "Power to the People" festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, on October 3, 2026. The one-day, two-stage event was announced on September 9, 2026, by Springsteen and Tom Morello after performing together at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
The festival will also feature Dropkick Murphys, Jack Black, Serj Tankian, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen, and the Linda Lindas. A portion of proceeds will benefit VoteRiders and HeadCount.
Benefit Concert at First Avenue
Springsteen performed at the First Avenue club in Minneapolis on January 30, 2026, during a "National Shutdown" protest advocating "No work. No school. No shopping. Stop funding ICE." The benefit concert, hosted by Tom Morello, aimed to raise money for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Springsteen debuted "Streets of Minneapolis" live, introducing it by stating he had written and recorded it and sent it to Morello. Morello later joined Springsteen to perform "The Ghost of Tom Joad."
Music America Concert
Springsteen performed at the OceanFirst Bank Center in Monmouth, New Jersey for the second night of "Music America: The Songs that Shaped Us" concert. The event celebrated 250 years of American music and marked the opening of the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music.
Featured performers included Dion, Public Enemy, Jon Bon Jovi, Nils Lofgren, Darlene Love, Jackson Browne, Gary Clark Jr., and Sheryl Crow. Springsteen performed "Jailhouse Rock" and "Burnin' Love" to honor Elvis Presley, joined Sheryl Crow for Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released," and performed "Further Up The Road" with Gary Clark Jr. The evening concluded with Springsteen performing "Land of Hope and Dreams" alone.
Responses to Springsteen's Statements
From President Trump
Donald Trump responded to Springsteen's remarks by referring to him as "highly overrated," "not a talented guy," and a "pushy, obnoxious jerk" on his Truth Social platform. During the release of a Springsteen biopic, Trump referred to Springsteen as a "dried-out prune of a rocker" and expressed disapproval of his music and politics.
From the White House
On January 29, 2026, the White House responded to Springsteen's song by describing it as "irrelevant" and "inaccurate." Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stated that the administration is focused on working with state and local Democrats to remove "dangerous criminal illegal aliens" and considered the song's opinions "irrelevant" and "inaccurate."
Other Artists' Responses
Other artists have released songs in response to events in Minneapolis and concerning ICE, including:
- Billy Bragg's "City of Heroes"
- My Morning Jacket's benefit album "Peacelands"
- NOFX's "Minnesota Nazis"
- Dropkick Murphys' "Citizen I.C.E."
Artists including Billie Eilish, Finneas, Sabrina Carpenter, Green Day, Neil Young, and Moby have also spoken out against ICE's actions.