Bruce Springsteen sparks fan fury after backing Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan Senate race
Bruce Springsteen has a message for Michigan voters — and some of his longtime fans aren't having it.
The rock legend faced criticism from some social media users after backing Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, prompting angry fans to accuse The Boss of crossing a political line.
Springsteen, who has never shied away from politics, took aim at President Donald Trump in his endorsement of El-Sayed, portraying the progressive candidate as a defender of American democracy.
"Dr. El-Sayed is a fighter for our American Constitution, he’s a fighter for our American Democracy, and he’s a fighter against the corrupt, lawless, and anti-American leadership currently in the White House. That’s why I’m in his corner 100%. Bruce Springsteen," he penned on social media.
Critics questioned why the New Jersey-born singer was endorsing El-Sayed, given controversies over the candidate's political associations and positions on Israel.
"Bruce Springsteen, the guy who spent 40 years cashing in on ‘Born in the USA,’ finally posts after two years of silence just to call an elected American president ‘corrupt, lawless, and anti-American’ while locking arms with Abdul El-Sayed, the same guy who campaigned with Hasan Piker (the streamer who said America deserved 9/11) and still can’t shake the Muslim Brotherhood questions about his own family."
METALLICA FRONTMAN JAMES HETFIELD BLASTS ENTERTAINERS PUSHING POLITICAL AGENDAS AT CONCERTS
Another commenter criticized the singer's political activism, writing, "The Boss isn’t fighting for the Constitution. He’s just another rich coastal has-been who needs a new reason to hate the country that made him."
"Bruce Springsteen who performed at the concert for NY at MSG on 2001 after 9/11….. is now campaigning for a Muslim brotherhood sympathizer," another person wrote. "Did I not have this on my bingo card for today."
Another longtime fan expressed sadness and anger over what they viewed as Springsteen's failure to understand the impact of his endorsement on those who have long fought antisemitism.
"Shame on you. You are not educated to understand what your endorsement means to so many life long fans and good people that are fighting antisemitism and hatred for thousands of years. You are acting like an ignorant uneducated school child. You did this for what reason? This is so foolish. I’m so sad., I’m 59 years old.. Shame on me for thinking you were educated and smarter. Take the time to understand the other point of view."
However, not everyone was ready to turn on the rock icon.
EL-SAYED'S SILENCE OVER MOM'S FBI QUESTIONING RAISES TRANSPARENCY CONCERNS
Springsteen's endorsement drew support from El-Sayed backers, including one self-described frequent concertgoer who accused critics of unfairly targeting the Democratic candidate.
"As a huge Springsteen fan, and veteran of over 50 different shows around the country, and a resident of Michigan, and supporter of Dr. Abdul El Sayed, I support this message 100%. I suspect that some of your Jewish fans may have issues with this, but that's their problem. That just shows their bigotry. They're the first ones to … complain about the racism and bigotry of Maga, and yet here they are doing the same damn thing to Abdul. Anyway Bruce, thank you for supporting the good Dr. and always being on the side of the good guys."
"Fully with you, he's the man," one supporter wrote.
PUT YOUR ENTERTAINMENT KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST AND SEE HOW YOU SCORE
"Thank you Bruce. History is about to be made. Abdul is more than qualified," another added.
Another commenter questioned El-Sayed's political beliefs and policy positions.
"Would love to know exactly what El-Sayed’s beliefs and what he is doing that American you love so much? America is not a socialist country nor is socialism the USA’s belief no matter who has been in the Oval Office."
Meanwhile, El-Sayed's Republican opponent, former Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., accused the Democratic candidate of misleading Michigan voters about his views on the Muslim Brotherhood, pointing to reported associations involving members of El-Sayed's family.
El-Sayed previously told Fox News that he has "never been" and will "never be" a member of the Muslim Brotherhood. Fox News Digital is not aware of any direct ties between El-Sayed and the organization.
Springsteen also released a second video message addressing election officials and government representatives, urging them to protect the integrity of the voting process.
"Hi, it’s Bruce Springsteen. I’m speaking to election officials and representatives of our government on election day. You have sworn an oath to preserve, protect, and defend our constitution."
GET ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL BY CLICKING HERE
He continued, "That means you have a solemn duty to ensure that our votes are securely counted. Thomas Jefferson said, government requires the consent of the governed. You who represent us must never consent to any directives that undermine our constitutional right to a free and fair election. Our vote is our voice, and it’s up to you to ensure that our voice is heard. I wish you all a good election day, and thank you for your service."
The accompanying caption urged followers who had not yet voted to do so and directed them to OathProject.org to take what Springsteen described as an "Oath to the Constitution."
LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
The endorsement comes as El-Sayed faces Rogers in a Michigan U.S. Senate race. El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health official, is running on a progressive platform centered on universal healthcare after defeating Rep. Haley Stevens in the Democratic primary.
The race has featured disagreements over U.S. support for Israel and accusations of antisemitism. Stevens endorsed Rogers, who is seeking a political comeback after losing the 2024 Senate race by fewer than 20,000 votes.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Springsteen and El-Sayed for comment.
Fox News Digital's Pedro B. Rodriguez-Aparicio and the Associated Press contributed to this report.