PBS NewsHour correspondent Geoff Bennett sits down with Bruce Springsteen at the Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University. Springsteen discussed what he calls "critical patriotism," the idea that loving your country means telling the truth about it, and how he uses protest music to engage with the political moment. Photo: PBS NewsHour
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June 30, 2026
Bruce Springsteen has spent decades writing songs that wrestle with what it means to love America while holding it accountable. He sat down with PBS NewsHour to talk about his new museum, his latest protest song, and why he calls it "critical patriotism."
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The Bruce Springsteen Center for American Music at Monmouth University features exhibits dedicated to one of New Jersey’s most famous sons while also exploring the broader story of American music. Geoff Bennett met with "The Boss" to discuss the center, his musical legacy, and how the outspoken artist is approaching this moment in civic life. It’s part of our arts and culture series, CANVAS.
View the transcript of the story.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think? What do you want to learn more about? You can also make a Google doc copy of these general discussion questions.
A. Take some time to watch Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's live performance of Streets of Minneapolis (Live From Minneapolis) with your family or friends.
Together, answer the following questions:
B. If you feel strongly about this topic, contact your federal representatives (U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate) to ask any questions or share any opinions about immigration enforcement policy. Use this website to find out who represents you in Congress and how to contact them.
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Republished with permission from PBS News Hour Classroom.
