Bruce Springsteen had some choice words for President Donald Trump during his appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
On Wednesday, May 20, the rock icon performed during the second-to-last episode of Stephen Colbert’s long-running show.
But before Springsteen, 76, played his single “Streets of Minneapolis,” he mourned the loss of the late-night show and slammed the president for not being able to “take a joke.”
Credit: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert/Youtube; Bruce Springsteen/Youtube
“I am here tonight to support Stephen, because you’re the first guy in America who lost his show because we’ve got a president who can’t take a joke,” the “Dancing in the Dark” artist said before his performance. “And because Larry and David Ellison feel the need to kiss his ass to get what they want.”
In the second remark, Springsteen was referring to billionaire Larry Ellison and his son David Ellison, who now own and control Paramount Global and therefore CBS.
“Stephen, these are small-minded people,” Springsteen continued. “They’ve got no idea what the freedoms of this beautiful country are supposed to be about.”
“The Boss” then dedicated his song “Streets of Minneapolis” to Colbert, 62, which details the Minnesota city’s ongoing protests against ICE in January and came amid Trump’s sweeping deportation efforts in the city, which resulted in the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
PEOPLE has reached out to The White House for comment.
Springsteen performed the track live for the first time on Jan. 30 at Tom Morello’s Defend Minnesota benefit concert, and it debuted No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Song Sales chart.
Credit: The Late Show with Stephen Colbert/Youtube; Bruce Springsteen/Youtube
Since 2015, Colbert has hosted The Late Show for 11 seasons. He announced in July 2025 that his late-night talk show had been canceled by CBS.
Colbert said he was “grateful” for the opportunity and his “beautiful theater to call home” at the time.
In a statement at the time, CBS said the decision was “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night.”
Colbert, however, had slammed CBS’ parent company Paramount for giving Donald Trump $16 million in a settlement before the show’s ending was revealed.
The final episode of The Late Show will air Thursday, May 21 at 11:35 p.m. ET.
Springsteen’s appearance instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of The Late Show’s final week, with clips of his remarks spreading rapidly across social media. Supporters praised the musician for speaking candidly, while critics accused him of turning a farewell television appearance into a political statement. The reaction highlighted just how deeply politics continues to shape entertainment conversations in America.
For Stephen Colbert, the emotional support from longtime friends and cultural icons appeared especially meaningful during the show’s final stretch. Throughout his eleven seasons hosting The Late Show, Colbert built a reputation for blending humor with political commentary, often inviting artists, actors, and musicians who shared his willingness to address controversial topics openly.
Springsteen’s comments also reflected his long history of political activism and outspoken criticism of leaders he believes undermine democratic values. Over the years, “The Boss” has frequently used both concerts and interviews to voice concerns about inequality, immigration, and political division, making his appearance on Colbert’s stage consistent with his public image.
The performance of “Streets of Minneapolis” added an emotional layer to the evening. Known for telling stories rooted in struggle, resilience, and social unrest, Springsteen’s music has often centered on communities facing hardship. Dedicating the song to Colbert transformed the moment into both a tribute and a statement about standing firm during uncertain political and cultural times.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounding The Late Show’s cancellation continues to fuel debate among fans and industry observers. While CBS has maintained that financial concerns drove the decision, some viewers remain skeptical, pointing to Colbert’s criticism of Paramount and the political climate surrounding network television as factors impossible to ignore.
The final episodes of the show have increasingly felt like a celebration of Colbert’s impact rather than simply a goodbye. Celebrity guests, heartfelt tributes, and emotional reflections have turned the final week into an event that resonates beyond late-night television, reminding audiences of how influential the host became over more than a decade on air.
As the curtain prepares to close on The Late Show, moments like Springsteen’s appearance underscore the legacy Colbert leaves behind—a program unafraid to mix comedy, politics, and cultural conversation. Whether admired or criticized, the show consistently sparked debate, laughter, and reflection, ensuring its place in the evolving story of American late-night television.
