More artists demand Trump stop using their music
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Former President Trump during a campaign event at Alro Steel in Potterville, Michigan, on Aug. 29. Photo: Emily Elconin/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Prominent artists have demanded Trump's campaign stop using their tunes on social media or at rallies — with lawsuits involved in some cases.
Why it matters: Celebrities have had a mega platform in offering or denying endorsements this election season, though it's unclear how voters will respond.
- The White Stripes' lead singer Jack White threatened to sue Trump's team Thursday for posting a video of the GOP presidential nominee boarding a plane to the song "Seven Nation Army."
- "Don't even think about my music you fascists," White wrote on Instagram. "Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.)."
What they're saying: "It's times like these you learn that it's all about money, money, money and not about freedom with these artists," Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement.
- "But the nation will go on and President Trump will take back the White House to Save America."
State of play: Several artists have pushed back against the use of their music at Trump's events. The former president has faced similar calls since his 2016 campaign.
- ABBA on Thursday asked Trump to stop using its music at campaign rallies, but the campaign said it had obtained a license, the AP reported.
- Celine Dion's management said in a statement on Aug. 10 that playing "My Heart Will Go On" during a rally was not authorized and that Dion "does not endorse this or similar use."
- The estate of songwriter Isaac Hayes sued Trump, alleging 134 counts of copyright infringement after asking the campaign to stop using the song "Hold On, I'm Coming."
Between the lines: Artists may be able to object to use of their music by political campaigns even when a license is obtained, CNN reported.
- Artists have some legal protection around the use of their name, image or likeness. Playing music could imply a "false endorsement," per CNN.
The intrigue: Some performers who have rebuffed Trump have thrown their support beyond his Democratic opponent Vice President Kamala Harris.
- Beyoncé's record label and music publisher sent a cease-and-desist to the Trump campaign for using her song "Freedom" on a social media post of Trump stepping off a plane, Billboard reported. The song has become the tune of Harris' campaign.
- The Foo Fighters said royalties received as a result of Trump's use of their song "My Hero" will be donated to Harris' campaign, the Independent reported.
Other artists have been more supportive of Trump.
- Lee Greenwood ("God Bless The USA") and Kid Rock appeared at this year's Republican National Convention.
- Florida rapper Kodak Black released a Trump campaign song this month. Trump also has a songwriting credit in the song, "ONBOA47RD."
Flashback: Guns N' Roses, Pharrell, Rihanna, Bruce Springsteen, Adele and Prince via his estate denounced Trump's use of their music in his earlier campaigns.
What to watch: The music industry's arguably biggest star Taylor Swift has yet to endorse a candidate in the 2024 race despite speculation earlier this year that she might back President Biden.
- She got bad blood.
Go deeper: Harris gains edge on Trump in polls following DNC
