"Love Me" artist doesn't love Trump using his song
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Singer JMSN performs onstage on June 16, 2018, in Long Beach, California. Photo: Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
Artist JMSN is demanding the Trump administration stop using his song "Love Me," which was the background music for a controversial government ad that critics argue illegally uses taxpayer money.
The big picture: The administration has repeatedly come under fire for its use of celebrities' music and images.
Driving the news: "To be absolutely clear, JMSN does not want to be viewed as directly or indirectly affiliated with the President or his Administration," read a Monday letter sent to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles by attorneys representing JMSN, including Democracy Defenders Action's Norm Eisen.
- His attorneys argued the government violated federal copyright law and created "a false endorsement or association" by suggesting the artist is affiliated with the administration.
- They also argued the ad associates JMSN with "apparent violations of federal laws prohibiting the use of taxpayer dollars for political purposes," citing an appropriations law barring funds for "publicity or propaganda purposes."
- They demanded the government confirm by Thursday evening that it has stopped using his song, canceled scheduled airings, and removed posts containing the song, and provide a written account of every airing and post.
What they're saying: JMSN wrote in an Instagram post that he "would never authorize my music to be used for ANY political agenda or campaign."
- The White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.
- A version of the ad that includes a montage of the president and the words "AMERICA WILL NEVER BE A COMMUNIST COUNTRY" was still on the White House's YouTube page at the time of this story's publication.
Zoom out: The government-backed spots, which also include a repurposed campaign ad from the 2024 cycle, have drawn bipartisan criticism.
- Despite that, the White House has argued they are "very clearly not campaign ads" and "are a reminder for Americans to love their country and know why it's worth defending."
Go deeper: White House defends Trump video ad Dems call "government propaganda"
