Bruce Springsteen. Buckle up – it’s a wild ride.
” … A fast and successful recovery.”
In a moment of unexpected decorum, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to extend a rare, almost presidential sentiment to Biden following the announcement of his cancer diagnosis: no randomly capitalized words, and correct punctuation. Trump wrote, “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”
For a brief, fleeting moment, it seemed like the 45th president was embracing a softer, more statesman-like tone – an odd but welcome change for someone who usually treats social media like an airing of grievances. But that tone didn’t last long.
” … A MAJOR AND ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION”
Just hours after his uncharacteristically gentle post, Trump was back online after 1 a.m., this time in full-on grievance mode, dragging Springsteen and Beyoncé into the mix – two artists who have long stood in opposition to his political brand. Featuring the return of all caps, Trump’s post read in part, “HOW MUCH DID KAMALA HARRIS PAY BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN FOR HIS POOR PERFORMANCE DURING HER CAMPAIGN FOR PRESIDENT? WHY DID HE ACCEPT THAT MONEY IF HE IS SUCH A FAN OF HERS?”
Then, not one to leave a cultural grudge half-finished, Trump immediately swerved to Beyoncé. “ISN’T THAT A MAJOR AND ILLEGAL CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTION? WHAT ABOUT BEYONCÉ? …AND HOW MUCH WENT TO OPRAH, AND BONO???” Trump’s post added.
“THIS IS AN ILLEGAL ELECTION SCAM AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL!”
Then, later on, Trump added this:
Trump’s simmering resentment toward these music icons isn’t new. Springsteen has long criticized Trump’s policies, famously calling him a “threat to democracy” and consistently throwing his behind Democratic candidates. Beyoncé, meanwhile, performed at both of Obama’s inaugurations and campaigned heavily for Hillary Clinton, becoming a symbol of the cultural resistance to Trump’s presidency. For a man who thrives on loyalty and public adoration, their unwavering rejection struck a nerve.
It’s a bizarre trajectory, even by Trump’s chaotic social media standards – starting with a sympathetic nod to his longtime rival’s health struggle, only to end it by reviving grudges against rock legends and pop royalty in the small hours of the night. Maybe it’s the insomnia, or maybe he just really hates “Born in the U.S.A.” Either way, it’s another reminder that Trump’s digital diatribes remain as unpredictable as ever.
Trump’s midnight missives serve as a stark reminder that even in moments of forced politeness, the former president can’t resist veering back into his comfort zone – a world where political rivals and cultural icons alike are always fair game for a public smackdown. And for those of us watching from the sidelines, it’s just another act in the ongoing Trump sideshow.
Published: May 19, 2025 01:10 pm