Bruce Springsteen uses music to support legal battle against Trump

Bruce Springsteen is standing up for birthright citizenship by allowing the American Civil Liberties Union to use his iconic hit, “Born in the U.S.A.,” in their campaign to protect this fundamental constitutional right. This move comes in response to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order in January 2025, which aimed to end automatic citizenship for individuals born in the United States, sparking outrage from various groups.

The ACLU is gearing up to take on the administration in the Supreme Court with the class-action lawsuit, Barbara v. Trump, set to begin on April 1. Leading up to the case, the organization launched a powerful video campaign featuring Springsteen’s song, which is often misconstrued as a patriotic anthem but is actually a cry for peace. The singer himself clarified the song’s meaning and authorized its use for the campaign, which was released on Monday, showcasing everyday Americans in various settings.

Anthony D. Romero, the executive director of the ACLU, highlighted how “Born in the U.S.A.” encapsulates the significance of birthright citizenship and calls on the nation to live up to its ideals. He emphasized that the song portrays a harsh reality faced by many immigrants today, underscoring the importance of preserving this constitutional right.

Public sentiment regarding the potential overturning of birthright citizenship remains strong, with over 56 percent of U.S. adults disapproving of the President’s Executive Order, as per a February 2025 Pew Research poll. Romero expressed the campaign’s aim to serve as a unifying force for Americans, reminding them of the critical role birthright citizenship plays in upholding the nation’s values and integrity.

Bruce Springsteen, a vocal critic of President Trump, has consistently used his platform to speak out against the administration’s policies. In response to the President’s crackdown on immigrants, Springsteen released a political anthem, “Streets of Minneapolis,” in January 2026, denouncing the deaths of American citizens at the hands of federal agents. Despite facing backlash from the President, Springsteen remains steadfast in his advocacy for American freedom and ideals.

Romero commended Springsteen for his unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power and praised the artist’s decision to lend his song to the ACLU’s cause. He noted that Springsteen’s song resonates with the public and serves as a poignant reminder of the current moment’s significance. Ultimately, the inclusion of “Born in the U.S.A.” in the campaign aims to awaken people to the importance of defending birthright citizenship in America.