Bruce Springsteen’s Hit Powers Anti-Trump Executive Order Ad

The American Civil Liberties Union has released a 30-second advertisement using Bruce Springsteen’s music. The spot supports birthright citizenship ahead of an April 1 Supreme Court hearing.

Case background and timeline

President Trump issued an executive order in January 2025. The order sought to change how the 14th Amendment grants citizenship.

The ACLU filed one of several lawsuits challenging that order. Other suits came from governors and state attorneys general.

Lower courts initially blocked the order. Appeals progressed until the Supreme Court agreed to hear the matter.

In December 2025, the justices announced they would take up the ACLU case only. The case is titled Trump v. Barbara.

ACLU legal director Cecillia Wang will argue against the order at the high court. The hearing is set for April 1.

How Springsteen became involved

ACLU executive director Anthony Romero says a television interview set events in motion. He told Filmogaz.com he began singing lines from “Born in the U.S.A.” during the exchange.

Romero then reached out to Bruce Springsteen about using the song. Springsteen agreed to license the track for the advertisement.

About the song and the ad

“Born in the U.S.A.” is a three-times platinum Top 10 single from 1984. It was recorded during the so-called “Electric Nebraska” sessions.

The ad pairs the song with images of people from diverse backgrounds. The montage highlights who might be affected by the Supreme Court decision.

The ACLU aimed to reach audiences that may not usually follow the organization or the court. Romero said they wanted to engage people who ignore politics.

Messaging and intent

The group used a Springsteen hit to amplify its message. The strategy places a well-known song at the center of an anti-Trump campaign against the executive order.

Organizers hope the ad will draw broader attention to birthright citizenship. They want voters to consider what is at stake in the case.