THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent “Chilling”: Trump’s Fury at Bruce Springsteen Just Got Much Darker
May 21, 2025
Asawin Suebsaeng, a writer at Rolling Stone, joins to explore Trump’s escalating wrath toward Bruce Springsteen, who openly criticizes him. Suebsaeng reveals disturbing trends in how Trump is employing government power to intimidate political rivals, highlighting the recent targeting of a House Democrat by a loyal U.S. Attorney. They discuss the alarming implications for free speech and the rise of competitive authoritarianism in American politics, raising crucial concerns about the erosion of justice and democratic norms.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's Authoritarian Threats on Free Speech
- Trump's reaction to Bruce Springsteen's free speech is an unprecedented authoritarian threat in the US context.
- He treats political criticism as a criminal act warranting federal investigation and suppression.
Weaponizing Government Agencies
- Trump is escalating use of government agencies to target political opponents under the guise of campaign finance violations.
- His close allies within the administration enable this weaponization of federal power.
Political Charges Against LaMonica McIvor
- DOJ charged Rep. LaMonica McIvor with assault based on disputed evidence during an ICE facility oversight.
- The charges appear politically motivated with flimsy proof, part of Trump's broader crackdown on Democrats.