At the start of his show in Minneapolis, Bruce Springsteen declared, "So join us and let's fight for the America we love." The 76-year-old artist delivered several short speeches throughout the performance between songs, sharply criticizing the Trump administration while also offering large doses of positivity and hope. "The powerful E Street Band is here tonight to invoke the undeniable power of art, of music, of rock and roll in dangerous times," announced Springsteen. Rolling Stone noted that the crowd's chanting became so strong that "the walls of the venue practically trembled." The celebrity criticized Attorney General Pam Bondi, saying, "Our Department of Justice has completely renounced its independence" and added, "Many of our elected leaders have failed us; this American tragedy can only be stopped by the American people." Springsteen also encouraged the audience to chant "Fuck ICE now!" four times. "The America I love, the America I've written about for 50 years, that has been a beacon of hope and freedom around the world, is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, racist, irresponsible, and treasonous administration," he said. Then, while presenting his protest anthem against ICE, "Streets of Minneapolis"—which honors Alex Pretti and Renee Good, who were killed by federal agents—The Boss declared: "Minnesota, you gave us hope. You gave us courage." "We are here to celebrate and defend our American ideals, our democracy, our Constitution, and our sacred American promise," he added.
