Rep. Josh Gottheimer, a Democrat from New Jersey, confessed this week to creating a fake Spotify Wrapped playlist after the internet called him out for an altered image.
The list he posted heavily featured iconic tracks by New Jersey legend Bruce Springsteen.
On Dec. 6, Gottheimer posted an image on X that appeared to be a screenshot of his 2024 Spotify Wrapped.
“No surprises here…Fun fact: My first ever concert was at Meadowlands to see The Boss!” he wrote.
No surprises here…
Fun fact: My first ever concert was at Meadowlands to see The Boss! pic.twitter.com/xuAcNn8si8— Josh Gottheimer (@Josh4Jersey) December 6, 2024
The playlist highlighted Springsteen classics such as “Thunder Road,” “Because the Night,” “Glory Days,” “Badlands,” and “The Rising.”
Spotify’s Wrapped feature is an annual favorite, letting users share their top tracks of the year with friends online. Celebrities and politicians alike often join in on the hype.
But shortly after Gottheimer’s tweet, skepticism ignited when sharp-eyed users noticed differences between his graphic and Spotify’s usual design.
Reports by NJ.com pointed out mismatched fonts and uneven spacing in the image. By Monday, the New Jersey Monitor raised doubts about the playlist’s authenticity.
On Tuesday, Gottheimer admitted the graphic was fake, explaining that it was meant as a lighthearted gesture.
“This would be my Spotify Wrapped if I didn’t share my account with my 12 and 15-year-old kids,” Gottheimer told NJ.com.
“While it’s Springsteen all day for me — don’t get me wrong, I still love listening to Taylor Swift!”
He doubled down on his Springsteen fandom in another X post. “To paraphrase the Boss: I wasn’t here for business baby, I was only here for fun. So just relax.”
To paraphrase the Boss: I wasn’t here for business baby, I was only here for fun. So just relax. This was a fun holiday tweet. It’s a joke to question my Springsteen creds, just ask my dog named Rosalita! pic.twitter.com/M8zShqjZ7N
— Josh Gottheimer (@Josh4Jersey) December 11, 2024
“This was a fun holiday tweet. It’s a joke to question my Springsteen creds, just ask my dog named Rosalita!” he added. “Now, back to what people care about—lower taxes, lower costs!”
Gottheimer’s representatives confirmed the playlist was crafted by his social media team as an end-of-year gimmick.
They assured critics that Springsteen is indeed his most-streamed artist, though the congressman shares his Spotify account with family members. Other artists frequently played on his account include Billy Joel, Drake, Travis Scott, and Taylor Swift.
One spokesperson added, “I’ve never been in the car with him when he wasn’t listening to Bruce Springsteen. I’ve never met someone who’s more of a fan.”
Despite the clarification, the backlash on social media has been sharp. Gottheimer’s original tweet remains live, and responses range from ridicule to outrage.
“Faking a Spotify Wrapped list…embarrassing,” one person commented. Another added, “This points to a larger problem… if you lie about this what else do you also lie about? RESIGN!”
Others tied their criticism to party politics, with one user asserting, “Lying isn’t a choice for Democrats. It’s a requirement.”
The playlist controversy comes as Gottheimer balances political pressures with his recent announcement for New Jersey’s gubernatorial race.
He declared his candidacy last month at a diner in Bergen County, soon after securing reelection for his fourth congressional term.
“I am running to be the lower taxes, lower costs governor,” Gottheimer said during his campaign launch. “Life in Jersey has become too damn expensive.”
Today, I’m launching my campaign for Governor to lower your taxes, lower your costs, and to make Jersey affordable again. I will help you and your family get ahead and I’ll do it while protecting our Jersey Values. pic.twitter.com/XrZm595yD4
— Josh Gottheimer (@Josh4Jersey) November 15, 2024
Democratic Governor Phil Murphy will conclude his second term in 2025 due to term limits, leaving the position open.
While Gottheimer campaigns on financial issues, he has also been addressing concerns over a spate of mysterious drone sightings across the state.
On Tuesday, Gottheimer proposed legislation to bolster defenses against drone activity, including funding for local law enforcement to purchase radar systems.
“We can never play it too safe when it comes to fighting to protect Jersey families, especially from new technology that have great potential but also can pose risks,” Gottheimer said.
One proposed bill would ban attaching weapons to drones, making violators subject to a two-year prison sentence.
Another focuses on penalizing drone use that interferes with airports, emergency services, or law enforcement operations.
Gottheimer also stated he contacted the FBI, FAA, and Homeland Security for further briefings on drone security.
“Based on the info I have from the briefings, not concerned about eminent threats,” he clarified. “But I understand why people are concerned.”