The Dark History of Politicians vs. Rockstars
Before Donald Trump’s recent feud with Bruce Springsteen, another American president tried to silence a politically outspoken rock star. However, instead of just tweeting insults, Richard Nixon tried to deport John Lennon.
Nixon’s War on Lennon
In the 1970s, Lennon, a British citizen with an American Green Card, was living in New York and had become a vocal critic of the Vietnam War and Nixon’s re-election. The Nixon administration responded by trying to use the Immigration Act to deport Lennon back to Great Britain due to an old marijuana conviction. This was a thin pretext, and everyone knew it. The FBI opened files on Lennon, and surveillance began. Lennon, however, continued to speak out through his music, singing in his song "Gimme Some Truth," "I’m sick and tired of hearing things from uptight, short-sighted, narrow-minded, hypocritical, schizophrenic, psychotic, pigeonholed politicians."
The Aftermath
After years of legal battles, a federal court finally ruled in 1975 that the deportation attempt was "selective deportation due to secret political reasons." Although Lennon was finally able to stay in the US, the damage had already been done, and his activism had been effectively neutered. Tragically, Lennon was shot and killed by a disturbed fan just five years later.
Trump’s Attacks on Celebrities
Almost fifty years later, Trump has continued this trend of attacking celebrities who speak out against him. His recent feud with Springsteen began when the singer criticized Trump’s administration during a concert in Manchester, England. Springsteen called the current administration "corrupt, incompetent, and treacherous" and stated that "the richest men in the country are taking satisfaction in depriving the poorest children in the world of healthcare and education." Trump responded by attacking Springsteen’s music, appearance, and intelligence.
A Familiar Pattern
Trump’s attacks on Springsteen, as well as other celebrities like Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey, bear a familiar touch of authoritarian reprisal. Trump has also accused these celebrities of accepting illegal campaign payments, despite there being no evidence to support this claim. This pattern of behavior is reminiscent of Nixon’s tactics, but instead of using secret memos, Trump is using social media to attack his critics.
The Consequences
Trump’s treatment of some of the biggest names in the country like enemies of the state is a disturbing trend. What’s next for these celebrities – lectures, visa cancellations, or IRS audits? The consequences of speaking out against Trump are unclear, but one thing is certain: this type of behavior has a chilling effect on free speech and artistic expression. As the US continues to grapple with the implications of Trump’s actions, one thing is clear: the struggle between politicians and rockstars is far from over.
