Quick Take: Jack Smith attended the Power To The People Fest in Columbia, Maryland, wearing a Bruce Springsteen "No Kings" tour shirt that drew attention because the slogan has been used in anti‑Trump protests. Photos prompted a Truth Social post from Donald Trump calling Smith a "Crooked Prosecutor." Smith previously served as special counsel on probes tied to the 2020 election and classified materials; some aspects of those investigations were later discontinued, according to reporting. The festival also featured moments like Dave Grohl dedicating "My Hero" to Smith.
Trump Slams Jack Smith Over 'No Kings' Springsteen T‑Shirt at Power To The People Fest
Photo Credit: SAUL LOEB/Getty Images
Former President Donald Trump publicly criticized special counsel Jack Smith after photos circulated of Smith attending the Power To The People Fest in Columbia, Maryland, wearing a Bruce Springsteen tour T‑shirt emblazoned with the phrase "No Kings." The sighting drew attention because the slogan has been used by some protesters as a critique of Trump, and because Smith previously led federal investigations that involved the former president.
Festival Appearance and Immediate Reaction
Smith attended the Power To The People Fest on Saturday, where Bruce Springsteen headlined alongside performers including Joan Baez and Dave Matthews. Photographs show Smith in a black Springsteen "Land of Hope and Dreams" tour shirt with the words "No Kings" across the front. On Sunday, Trump reposted coverage of the sighting on Truth Social and wrote, "Deranged Jack Smith is a Crooked Prosecutor!"
Context: Smith's Role and Recent Oversight
Smith served as special counsel on probes that examined issues related to the 2020 election and the handling of classified materials. Reporting indicates some aspects of those investigations did not lead to convictions and were later discontinued. Smith's festival appearance came shortly after a contentious Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in which Republican senators pressed him about investigative decisions; during the hearing, Sen. Eric Schmitt at one point said, "I think you've already perjured yourself," according to reporting.
Festival Highlights
The event included several notable moments beyond Smith's shirt. Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl dedicated the song "My Hero" to "my new friend Jack" and performed in an Iowa Hawkeyes T‑shirt. Springsteen also performed songs including "Streets of Minneapolis." The Power To The People Fest was organized by Tom Morello and emphasized a mix of music, activism and civic engagement.
Smith's choice of apparel quickly became a focal point in online discussion and prompted Trump's comment, adding another political dimension to what organizers billed as a civic-minded music event. As of the reporting referenced, Smith had not issued a public response to Trump's criticism.
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