Bruce Springsteen expresses views on patriotism on America's 250th birthday

Bruce Springsteen has said that being a true patriot is about coming to terms with America’s flaws and encouraging the government and its citizens to do better.

The comments were made at his recent PBS special, Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song, and came as a number of prominent figures made political remarks on America's 250th birthday.

“I believe in critical patriotism,” Springsteen said. “I believe that’s the definition of a patriot, you know, that you love your country so much that you are willing to look at it clearly, recognise its faults, encourage it to be a better place, and believe that you carry in your heart the country that is waiting.”

Bruce has been one of the most politically active musicians during the Trump-era. He recently concluded his Land of the Hope and Dreams tour, which featured plenty of protest songs and jabs at the White House.

His sentiments mirror those of New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who said that the patriotism associated with the holiday was complex, capacious and raised many questions.

In a speech he made behind George Washington's presidential desk, he argued a true celebration of patriotism should confront both the nation’s ideals and its flaws. He stated that America's exceptionalism stems from the fact that "nothing is fixed into place" and how its people shape its future.

In a speech the following day, in an apparent rebuke of Mamdani's statements, Vice President J.D. Vance criticised those who "obsessively" focus on America's imperfections rather than its greatness.

"You will hear a couple of small but loud voices today speak obsessively not of our national greatness, but of our national imperfections," Mr Vance said.

"They'll talk about America's sins with the anger and zeal of a brimstone preacher, but without any of the grace or forgiveness that must be present in the Christian faith," Mr Vance said, adding that these critics "misunderstand the essence of America".

In other measures marking the landmark anniversary, Chris Stapleton headlined a Fourth of July benefit concert that also featured Smashing Pumpkins, Chaka Khan, Maren Morris and Queen Latifah.

While Ne-Yo, Mary J Blige, Christina Aguilera, and Will Smith performed in separate concerts across the country.