Legendary U2 frontman Bono has officially entered the ongoing cultural and political clash involving former President Donald Trump and American rock legend Bruce Springsteen. During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Bono not only addressed the Trump-Springsteen controversy but also hit back at the former president’s demand for an investigation into prominent celebrities — including himself — who previously expressed support for Vice President Kamala Harris.
The “Only Boss” in Bono’s America
While chatting with host Jimmy Kimmel, Bono was asked directly: “Whose side are you on, Trump or Bruce Springsteen?” The Grammy-winning musician burst into laughter before delivering a firm yet lighthearted response:
“I think there’s only one Boss in America,” referring to Springsteen’s iconic nickname.
The comment sparked thunderous applause from the live studio audience, confirming just how influential and respected Springsteen remains in both the music world and the political sphere.
Springsteen vs. Trump: The Origin of the Feud
How It All Started
The clash between Bruce Springsteen and Donald Trump dates back to a fiery speech Springsteen gave during a concert in the United Kingdom. While addressing his fans, the rock legend didn’t hold back, calling the Trump administration “corrupt, incompetent, and treasonous.”
This bold statement triggered a strong, if somewhat vague, response from the former president, who has frequently used his Truth Social platform to blast critics in the entertainment industry. Springsteen, however, stood his ground and reiterated his stance during a follow-up concert, signaling that he wasn’t intimidated by political backlash.
Trump’s Rant on Truth Social: A Call for Investigations
Targeting High-Profile Celebrities
In a late-night post on Truth Social, Trump called for a “major investigation” into several music and entertainment icons — including Bono, Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, and Bruce Springsteen — for their visible support of Kamala Harris during her campaign.
Jimmy Kimmel brought this post up during Bono’s interview, prompting a humorous yet pointed response from the U2 frontman.
“I don’t want to cut in on your action,” Bono joked, referencing Kimmel’s long-standing feud with Trump. “But two points I’ll make.”
Bono’s Two-Point Response to Trump
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Star-Studded Solidarity:
“To be in the company of Bruce Springsteen, Beyoncé, and Oprah — I’ll play tambourine in that band,” Bono declared. The crowd roared with laughter and applause. -
No Political Performances:
Bono clarified that neither he nor U2 has ever played a concert or accepted money to endorse any political candidate or party. “It has never happened,” he stated firmly, pushing back against the implication of partisan favoritism.
Bono Criticizes Trump’s Truth Social Platform
“Pretty Antisocial” and “Not Very True”
In classic Bono fashion, the rockstar took a jab at Trump’s social media platform, describing it as “pretty antisocial” and “not very true a lot of the time.” The quip received hearty laughter from the audience, further solidifying Bono’s stance as both humorous and politically aware.
Why Trump Might Be Targeting Bono
Bipartisan Advocacy Through The ONE Campaign
When asked why Trump might be targeting him specifically, Bono attributed it to his founding role in The ONE Campaign, a bipartisan organization that champions global health and poverty alleviation — particularly in Africa.
“We’ve got a lot of very religious Catholics, Evangelicals, Conservatives who are very, very angry,” Bono said, explaining that many voters who once supported Trump are now disillusioned.
Attacking Global Humanitarian Efforts
Bono emphasized that under Trump’s leadership, institutions like USAID and PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) — programs designed to save lives globally — were undermined. According to Bono, these programs represent the compassionate and generous side of America, which many Americans, regardless of party, continue to support.
“That’s the America that we love. That’s the America we all want to be part of,” Bono stated, issuing a stern warning: “They are not happy, and there will be trouble.”
