AFM International President Tino Gagliardi issued the following statement in response to Donald Trump’s attacks on members Bruce Springsteen, member of Local 47 (Los Angeles, CA) and Local 399 (Asbury Park, NJ), and Taylor Swift, member of Local 257 (Nashville, TN): “The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada will not remain silent as two of our members—Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift—are singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States. Bruce Springsteen and Taylor Swift are not just brilliant musicians, they are role models and inspirations to millions of people in the United States and across the world. Whether it’s Born in the USA or the Eras Tour, their music is timeless, impactful, and has deep cultural meaning. Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in solidarity with all our members.” @springsteen @afmlocal47 @taylorswift @nashvillemusicians (fb)

The notion that federal funding for the arts, humanities, or public media is a financial burden for working Americans is plainly wrong .... Private money cannot fully replace federal funding. Eliminating the NEA, NEH, or CPB will lead to the loss of good, middle-class jobs. The most acute economic pain will be far from the soundstages of Hollywood and bright lights of Broadway. Job losses will be in communities where the NEA may be the only funder for regional theater or at local TV or radio stations that depend on CPB funding. Tell Your Representative to Support Federal Arts Funding for FY26, visit: https://actionnetwork.org/letters/tell-your-representative-to-support-federal-arts-funding-for-fy26 (fb)