Springsteen says Dems too far-left for America, Trump belongs in 'trash heap of history'

Bruce Springsteen told Time Magazine that the Democratic Party has drifted too far to the left for many Americans, and that Donald Trump should be consigned to the trash heap of history. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, whose songs helped define generations, remains a vocal critic of Trump even as he has supported Democrats in past presidential cycles. In the Time profile, Springsteen noted his own history of political engagement, having campaigned for Joe Biden in 2020, Hillary Clinton in 2016, Barack Obama in 2012 and 2008, and Kamala Harris in 2024. Time’s interview frames him as part of a broader cohort of left-leaning figures who argue that the Democratic Party has lost touch with everyday Americans and needs to recalibrate its approach to working people.

Springsteen’s remarks center on a political reality he says resonates beyond the music business: a substantial share of working-class voters feel alienated by the party’s current messaging and policy emphasis. He argues there is a need for an effective alternative party, or for the Democrats to nominate someone who can speak to the majority of the country, because there is a problem with “the language that they’re using and the way they’re trying to reach people.” He noted that a notable portion of his core audience has gravitated toward Trump, and he warned that simply opposing the former president without offering a persuasive alternative could leave the party on the wrong side of history. “A lot of people bought into his lies,” Springsteen told Time, referencing Trump’s appeal among blue-collar voters. He added that many Americans are “comfortable with his politics of power and dominance,” a stance he described as a barrier to democratic renewal.

Springsteen has long been a political voice aligned with Democratic candidates, though his relationship to the party’s fortunes is nuanced. He stood with Barack Obama during both of his campaigns, backed Hillary Clinton in 2016, supported Biden in 2020, and later endorsed Kamala Harris in 2024. In the Time piece, he urged party leaders to recalibrate their approach to working people, arguing that a more grounded, broadly appealing message is needed to capture the center of the country. He also described the current trajectory as risky, reiterating that there is a disconnect between party language and voters’ everyday concerns. He stressed that the party must rebuild credibility with voters who feel left behind and not simply rely on opposition to a single figure.

The interview also touched on Trump’s role in contemporary politics. Springsteen echoed a frequently heard argument among critics that Trump embodies a politics of power and dominance and suggested that congressional courage would be required to address his influence at the national level. “If Congress had any guts, he’d be consigned to the trash heap of history,” he said, tying accountability to a broader assessment of Trump’s place in American political life. The remarks come as Trump remains a central figure in Republican politics and a persistent target for Democratic opponents, even as the party works to hold together a broad coalition that spans urban and rural regions.

White House officials were contacted for comment about Springsteen’s remarks, and Fox News Digital said there was no immediate response. The interview arrives amid broader debates about how the Democratic Party should engage working-class voters and how much it should pivot from traditional coalition lines. Springsteen’s comments also underscore the role of public figures in political discourse, illustrating how cultural influence intersects with electoral strategy at a time of heightened partisan polarization. The piece notes his enduring appeal to a broad audience despite substantial wealth and global fame, highlighting the paradox of a celebrity who remains a loud advocate for the political left while acknowledging the political reality of the people he sings for.

Springsteen’s public profile remains high as he continues to perform on tour. The Time interview arrives as he has been touring in 2025, including a stop in Manchester, England, where he performed the first night of the “Land of Hopes and Dreams” tour in May. The ongoing tour underscores the broader trend of high-profile artists weighing in on political strategy while maintaining active artistic careers. The dynamic between star power and policy messaging adds texture to the national conversation about how to bridge divides over economic policy, cultural identity, and the role of populist messages in modern politics. As the country contemplates potential electoral contests, Springsteen’s critique contributes to mounting pressure on Democratic leaders to recalibrate their message to workers and families who feel left behind by a rapidly changing economy.