Overview
- Trump posted a close-up image of Bruce Springsteen on Truth Social on Sunday with the caption "Bruce Springsteen prior to plastic surgery???" in a jab at the singer’s appearance.
- Lead Stories verified the picture was altered, noting the crop and boosted contrast made Springsteen’s skin look mottled and his teeth stained, which did not match the original photo.
- Springsteen pressed his case from the stage in San Francisco, calling the Trump administration "corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless and treasonous" and leading chants against ICE during a set built around protest songs.
- The online taunts followed Trump’s earlier Truth Social broadside calling Springsteen a "dried up prune" and urging supporters to boycott what he called "overpriced" concerts.
- Coverage split over comments from former E Street Band drummer Vini Lopez, whom several outlets quoted as urging respect for Trump, before Lopez later said the Post misrepresented him and that he "stands with Bruce."