Rock musician Bruce Springsteen openly criticized President Donald Trump during his ongoing "Land of Hope and Dreams" American tour, delivering scripted speeches and performing politically charged songs alongside special guest Tom Morello at Madison Square Garden and PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The concert series represents a direct shift toward overt political commentary for the veteran rock star, according to reports from TribLive and GoLocalProv.
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Joined by the E Street Band and Morello, the guitarist from Rage Against the Machine, Springsteen performed 27 songs during a nearly three-hour show in Pittsburgh.
Political Messages and Setlist
Springsteen utilized brief monologues between musical numbers to address what he characterized as threats facing American democracy and constitutional values under the current administration, while maintaining an optimistic outlook for national renewal.
"Tonight we ask all of you to join with us in choosing hope over fear, democracy over authoritarianism, the rule of law over lawlessness, ethics over unbridled corruption, resistance over complacency, truth over lies, unity over division and peace over war," said Springsteen, before launching into a cover of Edwin Starr's "War."
The performance featured diverse backing musicians, including a five-member choir and the four-member E Street Horns.
The setlist highlighted tracks dealing with themes of resilience, working-class struggles, and social justice, such as "Youngstown," "Badlands," and "The Rising."
"But lately one or two will hopefully pay their due," modified Morello, during a duet cover of The Clash's "Clampdown."
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The musical lineup also included the 2026 anti-ICE track "Streets of Minneapolis," which explicitly protested federal border enforcement actions.
Springsteen previously initiated the tour in Minneapolis to commemorate the lives of citizens Renee Good and Alexi Pretti.
"This is an immigrant song," said Springsteen, introducing the encore song "American Land."
The concert concluded with a cover of Bob Dylan's "Chimes of Freedom" following a final address to the audience.
Springsteen concluded his remarks by invoking the message of late civil rights leader John Lewis regarding political engagement.
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"Do something, say something, or sing something, that's what I do," stated Springsteen.
