Bruce Springsteen thinks being an outspoken critic of Donald Trump is a sign of his "patriotism".

The Dancing in the Dark hitmaker has publicly exchanged words with the US president a number of times over the years and he explained he is comfortable calling out the administration because he cares about his country so mich.

Speaking on his PBS special, Bruce Springsteen: Finding America in Song, he said: "I believe in critical patriotism.

"I believe that's the definition of a patriot, you know, that you love your country so much that you are willing to look at it clearly, recognise its faults, encourage it to be a better place, and believe that you carry in your heart the country that is waiting."

Earlier this year, Trump branded Springsteen, 76, a "dried up prune" and called for his supporters to boycott the legendary singer.

The 80-year-old president wrote on his Truth Social platform: "Bad, and very boring singer, Bruce Springsteen, who looks like a dried up prune who has suffered greatly from the work of a really bad plastic surgeon, has long had a horrible and incurable case of Trump Derangement Syndrome.

"The guy is a total loser who spews hate against a President who won a Landslide Election. MAGA SHOULD BOYCOTT HIS OVERPRICED CONCERTS, WHICH SUCK. SAVE YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY."

The musicians union expressed solidarity with The Boss, as Local 802 American Foundation of Musicians President Dan Point and Local 47 AFM President Marc Sazer condemned Trump's insulting post.

They said in a joint statement: "We can not remain silent as one of our most celebrated members is singled out and personally attacked by the President of the United States.

"Bruce Springsteen is not just a brilliant musician, he is a voice for working people, a symbol of American resilience, and an inspiration to millions in the country and around the world."

The statement continued: "From Nebraska to Born to Run, his music has spoken truth to power for decades, and that is exactly what he is doing now.

"Musicians have the right to freedom of expression, and we stand in complete solidarity with Bruce and every member who uses their platform to speak their conscience. Local 802 and Local 47 will always defend that right."

Trump's Truth Social diatribe came after Springsteen made a fresh attack on his administration during a concert.

The Glory Days artist told the crowd: "The America that I love, the America... that has been a beacon of hope and liberty around the world is currently in the hands of a corrupt, incompetent, racist, reckless and treasonous administration.

Springsteen implored the audience to choose "unity over division" and urged them not to be despondent about the political climate in the United States.