Bruce Springsteen Clears ACLU ‘Born in the U.S.A.’ Ad
The American Civil Liberties Union has launched a national advertising campaign built around Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” ahead of oral arguments scheduled for April 1 at the U.S. Supreme Court in a case centred on birthright citizenship.
In its announcement, the ACLU said Springsteen authorised use of the song in what it described as a rare move, with the campaign timed to the court’s consideration of Trump v. Barbara and framed around the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship to people born on U.S. soil.
ACLU executive director Mr. Anthony D. Romero said the track functions as “an American anthem” and argued that birthright citizenship represents a “simple, powerful guarantee that if you are born here, you belong here.” The organisation said it is challenging an executive order it claims was signed on the first day of President Trump’s second term and that multiple courts have blocked from taking effect while finding the policy unconstitutional.
The campaign, titled “The Beat,” was produced with Stink and Creative Artists Agency and directed by filmmaker Anderson Wright, according to the ACLU. The group said a 30-second spot debuted March 23 and is set to run across broadcast and digital placements, including around MLB opening day programming and shows such as Survivor and The Voice finale.
Separately, Springsteen’s touring plans have remained a flashpoint with fans, with recent Alternative Nation coverage noting allegations that he was “withholding” tickets amid ongoing frustration over pricing and availability.
The ACLU said the campaign will also include a digital billboard outside Minneapolis’ Target Center from March 30-31, timed to the start of Springsteen’s 2026 Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour in the city, as the organisation prepares to argue the case before the Supreme Court on April 1.
