Rock legend Bruce Springsteen has been accused by New Jersey news outlet NJ.com of profiting off an expensive anti-Trump concert in his home state while still portraying himself as a "populist" rocker. The paper stated that Springsteen's performance in Newark was "poisoned by hypocrisy" and that his artistic identity was more disconnected from his economic behavior as a touring act or businessman. The article also noted that Springes has previously criticized President Donald Trump during his shows, calling him "corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless and treasonous". The paper argued that the tour's political framing exploits division in America, suggesting that the contradiction could potentially tarnish Springsteen’s career.