Introduction to the Controversy
President Donald Trump recently sparked controversy with his comments about two music legends, Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift. In a social media post, Trump described Springsteen as "highly overrated," "no talented guy," "an intrusive, disgusting jerk," and a "dry" deception of a rocker. These comments came after Springsteen criticized the administration during a concert in England.
The President’s Attack on Springsteen
Trump’s attack on Springsteen was prompted by the singer’s comments during a concert in Manchester, where he talked about the importance of art and music in "dangerous times" and voiced his opposition to authoritarianism. Trump responded by saying that Springsteen was "stupid as a rock" and couldn’t see what was going on. He also criticized Springsteen’s music and politics, saying that he never liked him or his radical politics.
The President’s Comments on Taylor Swift
Trump also took aim at Taylor Swift, saying that she was "no longer hot" since he said he hated her. This comment was much shorter than his statement about Springsteen, but it still sparked outrage. Swift had recently completed the highest-grossing tour in history, earning a reported $2 billion.
Response from the Music Industry
The American Federation of Musicians (AFM) responded to Trump’s comments, denouncing the attacks on Springsteen and Swift. The president of the AFM, Tino Gagliardi, said that the union would not be silent because two of its members were being personally attacked by the President of the United States. Gagliardi emphasized that Springsteen and Swift were inspirational figures who had triggered millions of people in the United States and around the world.
The Normalization of Attacks on Entertainers
Trump’s attacks on Springsteen and Swift are just the latest examples of his tendency to lash out at popular entertainers. This behavior has become normalized, with many people accepting it as a normal part of the president’s behavior. However, it is still shocking to see the president spend time attacking musicians and other celebrities in the middle of the night.
The Irony of Trump’s Comments
It’s worth noting that Trump’s taste in music is not always consistent. He has previously played Springsteen’s "Born in the USA" at his rallies, despite now saying that he never liked the singer or his music. Additionally, his daughter Ivanka attended Swift’s Eras tour, despite her father’s public dislike of the singer. This hypocrisy highlights the unpredictable nature of Trump’s comments and behavior.
