Springsteen Calls Himself a “Patriot” For Standing Up to Trump

Bruce Springsteen says he's a patriot for standing up to US President Donald Trump, arguing that loving America means confronting the nation's flaws. During his recent PBS special, ‘Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song,’ he said he believes in "critical patriotism." "I believe that's the definition of a patriot... that you love your country so much that you are willing to look at it clearly," Springsteen explained. He added that true patriots should recognize their nation's faults, “encourage it to be a better place," and "carry in your heart the country that is waiting." Springsteen has remained one of the Trump administration's most outspoken critics. His ‘Land of Hope and Dreams’ tour featured many protest songs and critiques of the White House. During the tour opener in March, Springsteen claimed that former Attorney General Pam Bondi "prosecutes our president's perceived enemies… and protects his powerful friends." He also targeted Trump, asking the crowd, "You want to talk about snowflakes? We have a president who can't handle the truth."