Bruce Springsteen has delivered a blistering critique of US President Donald Trump, calling his immigration policies "disgusting" and describing the current political climate as "an American tragedy."

In an interview with The New York Times, Springsteen reflected on concerns about growing inequality and authoritarianism in the United States.

"It was the combination of the deindustrialization of the country and then the incredible increase in wealth disparity that left so many people behind," he said. "It was ripe for a demagogue. And while I can’t believe it was this moron that came along, he fit the bill for some people."

Springsteen, currently touring with his Land of Hope and Dreams show, has used recent concerts to speak out against the Trump administration. During a performance in Manchester, he called the administration "corrupt, incompetent and treasonous," prompting Trump to retaliate on social media, labelling the singer a "dried out prune of a rocker" and an "obnoxious JERK."

The musician also addressed recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, which have drawn protests from artists and activists alike. "There are communities all across America now that have taken in immigrants and migrant workers," Springsteen said. "So what’s going on at the moment to me is disgusting, and a terrible tragedy."

Despite his criticisms, Springsteen remains optimistic about the country's future. "We don’t have an autocratic history as a nation," he said. "It’s fundamentally democratic… and I believe at some point that’s going to rear its head and things will swing back. Let’s knock on wood."

Yesterday, a new trailer for Deliver Me From Nowhere, the upcoming biopic starring Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen, was released ahead of its October 24 premiere.