Bruce Springsteen’s endorsement of Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed has angered some longtime fans, while others have defended the musician’s decision.
Springsteen, who has often spoken out about politics, criticized President Donald Trump while backing El-Sayed, describing the Democrat as a champion of the Constitution and American democracy.
Some critics questioned the endorsement because of El-Sayed’s political associations and views on Israel. One social media user pointed to El-Sayed’s past campaigning with Hasan Piker, a streamer who has faced criticism for comments about the United States, and raised questions about alleged Muslim Brotherhood connections involving El-Sayed’s family.
Other commenters accused Springsteen of using his platform to attack the country and said his political activism had disappointed them. One longtime fan said the endorsement showed a lack of understanding of the concerns of people who have spent years opposing antisemitism, and urged Springsteen to consider other perspectives.
Not all fans agreed with the backlash. One Michigan resident who said they had attended more than 50 Springsteen concerts supported the endorsement and accused critics of unfairly targeting El-Sayed. Other supporters praised the candidate, while some people questioned whether his policies reflected American values.
El-Sayed’s Republican opponent, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, has accused him of misleading voters about his views on the Muslim Brotherhood, citing reported connections involving members of El-Sayed’s family. El-Sayed has said he has never been, and will never be, a member of the organization. No direct ties between him and the group have been identified.
Springsteen also posted a video addressed to election officials and government representatives, urging them to protect the voting process. He reminded them of their oath to uphold the Constitution and said they had a duty to ensure votes were counted securely and fairly.
In the video, Springsteen invoked Thomas Jefferson’s idea that government depends on the consent of the governed. He said officials should reject directives that could undermine the right to a free and fair election, adding that voting is how people make their voices heard.
The video’s caption encouraged people who had not yet voted to do so and directed followers to a website where they could take what Springsteen called an “Oath to the Constitution.”
El-Sayed, a former Wayne County health official, is running against Rogers in the Michigan U.S. Senate race. His progressive campaign has emphasized universal health care. He won the Democratic primary against Rep. Haley Stevens.
The campaign has also featured disputes over U.S. support for Israel and accusations of antisemitism. Stevens has endorsed Rogers, who is seeking a return to office after losing the 2024 Senate race by fewer than 20,000 votes.
