Bruce Springsteen has drawn criticism from some fans after publicly endorsing Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan. The rock legend's support for El-Sayed, a progressive candidate challenging President Donald Trump's administration, has ignited backlash on social media, with some accusing Springsteen of crossing a political line.
Springsteen shared his endorsement on social media, stating, "Dr. El-Sayed is a fighter for our American Constitution, he’s a fighter for our American Democracy, and he’s a fighter against the corrupt, lawless, and anti-American leadership currently in the White House. That’s why I’m in his corner 100%."
However, the endorsement quickly prompted anger from some fans. Critics questioned Springsteen's decision to back El-Sayed, citing controversies surrounding the candidate's political associations and positions on Israel. One social media user wrote, "Bruce Springsteen, the guy who spent 40 years cashing in on ‘Born in the USA,’ finally posts after two years of silence just to call an elected American president ‘corrupt, lawless, and anti-American’ while locking arms with Abdul El-Sayed, the same guy who campaigned with Hasan Piker (the streamer who said America deserved 9/11) and still can’t shake the Muslim Brotherhood questions about his own family."
Another commenter expressed disappointment, stating, "The Boss isn’t fighting for the Constitution. He’s just another rich coastal has-been who needs a new reason to hate the country that made him." Concerns were also raised about El-Sayed's family ties and past associations. One critic lamented, "Bruce Springsteen who performed at the concert for NY at MSG on 2001 after 9/11….. is now campaigning for a Muslim brotherhood sympathizer."
Some fans felt Springsteen's endorsement was particularly insensitive given the ongoing fight against antisemitism. "Shame on you. You are not educated to understand what your endorsement means to so many life long fans and good people that are fighting antisemitism and hatred for thousands of years," wrote one fan. "You are acting like an ignorant uneducated school child."
Conversely, some supporters defended Springsteen's endorsement. "As a huge Springsteen fan, and veteran of over 50 different shows around the country, and a resident of Michigan, and supporter of Dr. Abdul El Sayed, I support this message 100%," one user commented. "I suspect that some of your Jewish fans may have issues with this, but that's their problem. That just shows their bigotry."
Springsteen also released a video message to election officials and government representatives, urging them to protect the integrity of the voting process and ensure that votes are securely counted. He directed followers to OathProject.org to take an "Oath to the Constitution."
El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health official, is running on a progressive platform and faces Republican opponent Mike Rogers in the Michigan U.S. Senate race. The campaign has seen disagreements over U.S. support for Israel and accusations of antisemitism. El-Sayed has previously denied being a member of the Muslim Brotherhood.