Music icon Neil Young criticized President Donald Trump for attacking rocker Bruce Springsteen, saying that Trump spends more time "thinking about what rockers are saying" than focusing on helping the American people.
During a recent concert in Manchester, England, Springsteen called out Trump, denouncing a “corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration.” The rock legend also condemned Trump's approach to dissent, saying U.S. authorities under Trump “are persecuting people for using their right to speech and voicing their dissent.”
Afterward, Trump threatened Springsteen, saying the rocker "ought to KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT until he gets back into the Country." The president said there would be consequences for the "Highly Overrated" Springsteen for going "to a Foreign Country to speak badly about the President of the United States."
Now Young has come to Springsteen's defense, writing the following on his official website:
“Bruce and thousands of musicians think you are ruining America. You worry about that instead of the dyin’ kids in Gaza. That’s your problem. I am not scared of you. Neither are the rest of us."
"You shut down FEMA when we needed it most. That’s your problem Trump. STOP THINKING ABOUT WHAT ROCKERS ARE SAYING. Think about saving America from the mess you made.”
Appearing to a reference a post former FBI Director James Comey made last week that the Trump administration characterized as a "threat" against the president, Young added:
“Remember what the White House is? 86/47??? That’s what you think about. You are forgetting your real job. You work for us. Wake up Republicans! This guy is out of control. We need a real president!”
And in a separate post, Young thanked Springsteen directly:
“As a Canadian-American dual citizen, I stand with the great majority, thanking you for speaking so eloquently and truthfully on behalf of the American people. We are with you my old friend. Your great songs of America ring true as you sing them to Europe and the world!”
Many appreciated Young for speaking out.
Young's response came after Pearl Jam rocker Eddie Vedder told an audience in Pittsburgh that Trump's response to Springsteen "had nothing to do with the issues." He added that "all that we heard were personal attacks and threats that nobody else should try to use their microphones or voice in public or they’ll be shut down."
Further lamenting the decline of free speech in the U.S., Vedder stressed that Springsteen "has always been as pro-American with his values and liberty, and his justice has always remained intact."
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