Springsteen releases surprise EP, including scathing Trump criticism

Washington: Rock star Bruce Springsteen released a surprise EP on Wednesday, with the six track album including scathing criticism of US President Don...

Washington: Rock star Bruce Springsteen released a surprise EP on Wednesday, with the six-track album including scathing criticism of US President Donald Trump that prompted an online diatribe from the Republican billionaire last week.

The EP, titled "Land of Hope and Dreams" -- the name of his ongoing tour -- features recordings of four songs performed live in Manchester, England on May 14.

Two tracks feature Springsteen describing his disappointment with Trump's "corrupt, incompetent and treasonous administration," although he does not name the president directly.

The comments had prompted the right-wing populist to label Springsteen, 75, an "obnoxious JERK" last week, and on Wednesday Trump posted a video edited to make it seem like he had hit the New Jersey rocker with a golf drive.

On Monday, Trump had gone further than mere rhetoric, calling for a "major investigation" into Springsteen, genre-smashing music icon Beyonce and other celebrities.