Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Donald Trump Jr says dropping Springsteen’s DWI charge example of ‘liberal privilege’

The Boss’s blood alcohol level was one quarter of limit for driving

Oliver O'Connell
New York
Thursday 25 February 2021 16:05 EST
Comments
Bruce Springsteen's DWI charges dropped

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Donald Trump Jr claims that federal prosecutors only dropped drink driving charges against rock star Bruce Springsteen because of “liberal privilege”.

Earlier this month, it emerged that Springsteen, a lifelong Democrat, was arrested on 14 November 2020 and given three citations for alleged DWI, reckless driving, and consuming alcohol in a closed area.

On the news that two of the charges had been dismissed, Mr Trump tweeted on Thursday: “I’d say it’s #WhitePrivilege but we all know it’s really #LiberalPrivilege.”

The eldest son of former president Donald Trump published a book in 2020 called Liberal Privilege.

Springsteen’s arraignment took place over Zoom on Wednesday. He attended it along with his lawyer Mitchell Ansell.

Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the DWI and reckless driving charges, on the basis that the musician’s alcohol level was so low it didn’t warrant them.

His blood alcohol content was just 0.02 at the time, far below the state’s legal driving limit of 0.08. He confirmed that he had consumed two small shots of tequila.

Springsteen refused to take a preliminary breathalyser test at the park, according to Assistant US Attorney Adam Baker, though he was not required to do so by law. He took a breath test upon reaching the ranger station.

The musician was fined $500 for drinking in a national park — New Jersey’s Gateway National Recreation Area in Sandy Hook.

When news of the arrest broke, Jeep withdrew its recent high profile Super Bowl ad featuring “The Boss” from the air.

In the ad, Springsteen calls for an end to divisions in America.

Earlier this week, The Boss and former president Barack Obama launched a new podcast, Renegades: Born in the USA, in which the two friends discuss their personal life experiences in relation to the larger story of America.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in