Former President Donald Trump has been in the spotlight for more than just his political beliefs since his first campaign nearly a decade ago; he has also been embroiled in a lyrical battle with some of music’s top singers.
From pop stars to rock legends, a diverse range of musicians have stood up and warned him, “Don’t play my song.” As we approach the upcoming November elections in 2024, the situation remains unchanged, with continued confrontation between the former president and the music industry making headlines.
Some of the artists just spoke out and issued statements to prevent Trump from utilizing their properties without proper consent, but others chose to go legal by filing lawsuits.
So, who are the brave musicians that have raised the level and issued warnings to Trump? Strap up, for that is exactly what this post on Townflex Entertainment News is about to dig into.
Which Artists Are Battling Trump Over Music Rights?
Adele – 2016 Election Year
When Donald Trump used Adele’s famous song “Rolling in the Deep” as walk-on music at several rallies during his 2016 presidential campaign, the British singer was quick to retaliate.
Adele’s spokeswoman told Billboard, “Adele has not given permission for her music to be used for any political campaigning.” This brief rejoinder emphasized the singer’s position on her music being associated with any political agenda.
Beyoncé – 2024 Election Year
In 2024, Beyoncé found herself in a similar scenario when Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, posted a video showing the former president disembarking from a plane to the tune of her song “Freedom.” This track has already been chosen as the theme song for Kamala Harris’ campaign.
Beyoncé’s team soon addressed a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign, emphasizing that, while the singer accepted Harris’ use of the tune, she did not support Trump’s use of it.
Brendon Urie – 2020 Election Year
Panic! at the Disco’s frontman, Brendon Urie, also faced the unauthorized use of his band’s music during the 2020 election cycle. After hearing “High Hopes” at a Trump rally, Urie took to Twitter with a blunt message: “Dear Trump Campaign, F–k you. You’re not invited.
“Stop playing my song!” His response made it evident that he objected to Trump’s usage of his song.
Celine Dion – 2024 Election Year
Celine Dion’s team reacted after Trump played her song “My Heart Will Go On” without authorization during the 2024 election campaign. Dion’s team mocked the irony of playing a song from Titanic, a film about a massive failure, at a political rally.
They clarified, “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use,” adding a tongue-in-cheek comment: “…And really, THAT song?”
Earth, Wind & Fire – 2016 Election Year
The renowned band Earth, Wind, and Fire did not find it funny when their popular song “September” was played at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
The group quickly took to Twitter, writing, “Another unauthorized use (September) at the Republican Convention, against our wishes.” This brief statement expressed their strong disapproval to their music being co-opted without authorization.
Foo Fighters – 2024 Election Year
During the 2024 election season, the Foo Fighters became caught in the spotlight when Trump played their song “My Hero” to introduce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on stage. The band quickly responded with a statement clarifying that they had not granted permission for the song’s use.
They highlighted, “Foo Fighters were not asked for permission, and if they were, they would not have granted it,” and stated that any proceeds from the unauthorized use will be donated to the Harris-Walz campaign. Despite this, Trump’s staff claimed to have gotten a license for the song..
George Harrison – 2016 Election Year
George Harrison’s estate was offended by Trump’s use of “Here Comes the Sun” during the 2016 Republican National Convention. The estate tweeted, “If it had been Beware of Darkness, then we MAY have approved it! #TrumpYourself,” making it clear that Trump’s use of the song was not only unauthorized but also unwelcome.
Axl Rose & Guns N’ Roses – 2018 Election Year
Axl Rose, the leader of Guns N’ Roses, has been very critical of Trump’s campaign since it began playing “Sweet Child O’ Mine” at political rallies. When Rose realized the song’s use in 2018, he instantly published a public statement on X criticizing the Trump campaign.
“GNR like a lot of artists opposed to the unauthorized use of their music at political events has formally requested r music not b used at Trump rallies or Trump associated events,” he wrote, criticizing the campaign for exploiting legal loopholes in performance licenses.
Isaac Hayes Estate Files Lawsuit – 2024 Election Year
The battle against Trump’s unlawful use forced the estate of late soul musician Isaac Hayes to file a court case. Hayes’ estate sued Trump in August 2024 for unauthorized use of “Hold On, I’m Coming” at many rallies.
The lawsuit led to a federal judge granting an emergency hearing, with Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, tweeting, “Donald Trump, the RNC, Trump, Trump for President Inc. 2024, Turning Point and The NRA are required to appear in court September 3rd, 2024 at the Northern U.S. District Federal Court in Atlanta.”
Jack White – 2016, 2024, Election Years
Jack White, the vocalist of The White Stripes, has also expressed his disapproval with Trump’s frequent usage of the band’s song “Seven Nation Army” during his campaigns. In 2016, White and his band were “disgusted by this association” when the song was used in a political video.
Eight years later, in 2024, White again criticized Trump after the song was used in a video posted by Trump’s deputy director of communications. “Oh….Don’t even think about using my music you fascists,” White wrote on social media.
Legal Action from Linkin Park – 2020 Election Year
Linkin Park took the same approach in 2020, when their song “In the End” played in a campaign film posted by Trump and his staff. The band quickly sent a cease-and-desist request, and the video was removed from X. The band highlighted that they hadn’t been endorsing Trump or his campaign.
Neil Young, Nickelback, and Ozzy Osbourne – 2016, 2020, Election Years
Musicians such as Neil Young, Nickelback, and Ozzy Osbourne have also expressed their opposition. After years of criticism, Neil Young filed a lawsuit in 2020 for the improper use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk” at Trump rallies.
Nickelback’s song “Photograph” was removed from social media after being used in a video targeting Joe Biden, while Sharon Osbourne made a statement prohibiting the use of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.”
Pharrell – 2020 Election Year
In a different case, Pharrell Williams sued after Trump performed “Happy” at a rally just hours after a terrible incident in Pittsburgh.
His lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign, stating, “There was nothing ‘happy’ about the tragedy inflicted upon our country on Saturday and no permission was granted for your use of this song for this purpose.”
Eddy Grant – 2020 Election Year
In 2020, “Electric Avenue” the creator Eddy Grant had a video of the song being used in a Trump campaign deleted from the internet due to copyright infringement. Grant would later sue Trump and demand a cease and desist.
Creedence Clearwater Revival – 2020 Election Yeaar
Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty has spoken out against Trump’s usage of the band’s song “Fortunate Son”. In October 2020, Fogerty announced that he was sending a cease-and-desist letter to Trump, claiming that Trump “is using my words and my voice to portray a message that I do not endorse”.
Fogerty clarified that the song’s lyrics were intended to criticize how wealthy individuals are unfairly able to evade the draft or pay their fair amount of taxes.
Later, he actively supported Trump’s 2020 competitor, Joe Biden, by opening his own TikTok account in response to Trump’s violation of the cease-and-desist injunction over the use of his song, “Fortunate Son”.
Prince’s Estate – 2020 Election Year
Prince’s estate was among the most outspoken in its criticism of Trump, using the late musician’s popular song, “Purple Rain,” during campaign events in 2018 and 2019. At one point, the estate made its opinion known via a message posted on social media.
“The Prince Estate will never give permission to President Trump to use Prince’s songs.” Despite a clear disapproval, the former president continued to play the beloved artist’s song at various events, provoking dissatisfaction and public outrage among fans and the estate alike.
R.E.M. – 2016, 2020 Election Year
R.E.M., known for their controversial lyrics, were also targeted by Trump’s campaign playlist. The band first became angry in 2015 when Trump played their song “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” at a rally during his first presidential campaign.
Their anger escalated when Trump used their hit song “Everybody Hurts” in a social media video. Things boiled up further when Trump performed both “Everybody Hurts” and “Losing My Religion” at a 2020 re-election rally in Milwaukee.
Bassist Mike Mills took to social media, stating, “We are exploring all legal avenues to prevent this, but if that’s not possible, please know that we do not condone the use of our music by this fraud and con man.” The strong language underscored the band’s frustration and desire to distance themselves from the political figure.
Rihanna – 2020 Election Year
Pop superstar Rihanna made it abundantly clear that she did not support Trump’s use of her music. After her 2007 single “Don’t Stop the Music” was played at one of his rallies, she immediately responded on X, saying, “me nor my people would ever be at or around one of those tragic rallies.”
Her swift condemnation added another name to the growing list of artists protesting the unauthorized use of their work.
The Rolling Stones – 2016, 2020, Election Years
The Rolling Stones were equally angry with Trump’s use of their music. During his 2016 campaign, he frequently performed songs like as “Start Me Up,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and “Brown Sugar.”
The music stars constantly expressed their disapproval, but Trump continued to play their songs at his gatherings. When he used “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” again at a 2020 event in Tulsa, the band decided to take a more aggressive stance, vowing to sue to halt the unauthorized use of their song.
ABBA – 2024 Election Years
August 2024: Former President Donald Trump sparked another controversy by openly using music during a rally in Minnesota without permission. This time, the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA was up next. Several of their iconic tracks, including “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and “Dancing Queen,” were featured in video montages at the event.
Upon discovering that their music had been used without consent, ABBA and their parent label, Universal Music, quickly took action. They issued a strongly statement demanding that Trump not use their music at any of his upcoming campaign events and that the rally’s videos be taken down right away.
Bruce Springsteen – 2016 Election Year
Performing “Born in the U.S.A.” at Trump’s election rallies in 2016 angered Bruce Springsteen.
Instead of taking legal action, Bruce publicly declared and actively campaigned for Hillary Clinton, Trump’s rival. Every time Trump performed the song at a rally after that, people would boo him.
Elton John – 2016 Election Year
In the 2016 election season, Elton John made it plain that his classic songs “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer” will not be played at Trump rallies.
Although John acknowledged an important political difference, he made it clear that it was not a personal attack. The British singer stated that his music should be kept free from US politics, implying that musicians such as Ted Nugent would be better suited for such occasions.
Leonard Cohen – 2020 Election Year
In August 28, 2020, Leonard Cohen’s estate made headlines for its angry reaction to Trump’s use of Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at the Republican National Convention.
The estate released a statement denying the use of the music, arguing that Cohen’s “You Want It Darker” would have been a better choice if permission had been granted.
Everlast – 2020 Election Year
Everlast, best known for his smash single “Jump Around,” issued a cease-and-desist letter to Trump during the 2020 election. The rapper’s reaction was driven, including an angry rant criticizing the use of his music in Trump’s campaign rallies.
Johnny Marr – 2024 Election Year
As the 2024 election approached, Johnny Marr, a former member of The Smiths, joined the list of artists who oppose Trump’s use of their music. Marr strongly demonstrated to the use of “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want” during a rally, expressing surprise and displeasure at the unlawful usage. His response was clear: “Consider shutting this shit down right now.”
Luciano Pavarotti’s Estate – 2024 Election Year
Luciano Pavarotti’s family also spoke out against Trump in 2024. The family argued to the use of Pavarotti’s recording of “Nessun Dorma,” noting the stark difference between Trump’s views and Pavarotti’s image as a UN Messenger of Peace. The opera singer’s family felt that Trump’s immigration policies contradicted Pavarotti’s humanitarian endeavors.
Sinéad O’Connor’s Estate – 2024 Election Year
In a similar case, the estate of Sinéad O’Connor, along with Chrysalis Records, also took a stance, as they rejected Trump’s use of her rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” at a 2024 rally.
The estate was adamant that O’Connor would have been deeply offended by her work being associated with Trump’s campaign, underscoring the artist’s commitment to her principles.
Village People and Tom Petty – 2020 Election Year
During the 2020 election, Victor Willis of the Village People and Tom Petty’s family both expressed concerns. Willis, best known for “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” first requested that his music not be used, but it was still used despite his cease-and-desist letter.
Similarly, Petty’s family opposed Trump’s usage of “I Won’t Back Down,” claiming that the song reflected principles that contradicted Trump’s image.
Yoann Lemoine – 2024 Election Year
French artist Yoann Lemoine, also known as Woodkid, criticized Donald Trump for using his song “Run Boy Run” at a 2024 rally. Lemoine emphasized that the track is an LGBT+ anthem, confirming his belief that such music should not be exploited for political goals that contradict its original message.
Twisted Sister – 2016 Election Year
Twisted Sister in 2014 initially permitted Trump to use “We’re Not Gonna Take It” for his 2016 campaign because of its defiant nature. However, by 2015, frontman Dee Snider had withdrawn permission, claiming serious challenges with Trump’s controversial views, suggesting a shift in the band’s stance as political tensions heightened.
In politics, anthems are frequently used to inspire supporters and set an atmosphere for powerful speeches. However, when the message coming from the speakers is not liked by the musicians themselves, things may get quite dramatic!
Since his first campaign almost a decade ago, former President Donald Trump has been in the news for more than just his views; he has been caught in a lyrical battle with some of music’s biggest artists.
From pop icons to rock veterans, a broad group of musicians have risen up and told him, “Don’t play my song.” As we approach the upcoming November elections in 2024, the situation stays unchanged, with a lot of ongoing conflict between the ex POTUS and the music industry generating headlines.
Some of the artists just spoke out and issued statements to prevent Trump from utilizing their properties without proper consent, but others chose to go legal by filing lawsuits.
So, who are the brave musicians that have raised the level and issued warnings to Trump? Strap up, for that is exactly what this post on Townflex Entertainment News is about to dig into.
Which Artists Are Battling Trump Over Music Rights?
Adele – 2016 Election Year
When Donald Trump used Adele’s famous song “Rolling in the Deep” as walk-on music at several rallies during his 2016 presidential campaign, the British singer was quick to retaliate.
Adele’s spokeswoman told Billboard, “Adele has not given permission for her music to be used for any political campaigning.” This brief rejoinder emphasized the singer’s position on her music being associated with any political agenda.
Beyoncé – 2024 Election Year
In 2024, Beyoncé found herself in a similar scenario when Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, posted a video showing the former president disembarking from a plane to the tune of her song “Freedom.” This track has already been chosen as the theme song for Kamala Harris’ campaign.
Beyoncé’s team soon addressed a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign, emphasizing that, while the singer accepted Harris’ use of the tune, she did not support Trump’s use of it.
Brendon Urie – 2020 Election Year
Panic! at the Disco’s frontman, Brendon Urie, also faced the unauthorized use of his band’s music during the 2020 election cycle. After hearing “High Hopes” at a Trump rally, Urie took to Twitter with a blunt message: “Dear Trump Campaign, F–k you. You’re not invited.
“Stop playing my song!” His response made it evident that he objected to Trump’s usage of his song.
Celine Dion – 2024 Election Year
Celine Dion’s team reacted after Trump played her song “My Heart Will Go On” without authorization during the 2024 election campaign. Dion’s team mocked the irony of playing a song from Titanic, a film about a massive failure, at a political rally.
They clarified, “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use,” adding a tongue-in-cheek comment: “…And really, THAT song?”
Earth, Wind & Fire – 2016 Election Year
The renowned band Earth, Wind, and Fire did not find it funny when their popular song “September” was played at the 2016 Republican National Convention.
The group quickly took to Twitter, writing, “Another unauthorized use (September) at the Republican Convention, against our wishes.” This brief statement expressed their strong disapproval to their music being co-opted without authorization.
Foo Fighters – 2024 Election Year
During the 2024 election season, the Foo Fighters became caught in the spotlight when Trump played their song “My Hero” to introduce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on stage. The band quickly responded with a statement clarifying that they had not granted permission for the song’s use.
They highlighted, “Foo Fighters were not asked for permission, and if they were, they would not have granted it,” and stated that any proceeds from the unauthorized use will be donated to the Harris-Walz campaign. Despite this, Trump’s staff claimed to have gotten a license for the song..
George Harrison – 2016 Election Year
George Harrison’s estate was offended by Trump’s use of “Here Comes the Sun” during the 2016 Republican National Convention. The estate tweeted, “If it had been Beware of Darkness, then we MAY have approved it! #TrumpYourself,” making it clear that Trump’s use of the song was not only unauthorized but also unwelcome.
Axl Rose & Guns N’ Roses – 2018 Election Year
Axl Rose, the leader of Guns N’ Roses, has been very critical of Trump’s campaign since it began playing “Sweet Child O’ Mine” at political rallies. When Rose realized the song’s use in 2018, he instantly published a public statement on X criticizing the Trump campaign.
“GNR like a lot of artists opposed to the unauthorized use of their music at political events has formally requested r music not b used at Trump rallies or Trump associated events,” he wrote, criticizing the campaign for exploiting legal loopholes in performance licenses.
Isaac Hayes Estate Files Lawsuit – 2024 Election Year
The battle against Trump’s unlawful use forced the estate of late soul musician Isaac Hayes to file a court case. Hayes’ estate sued Trump in August 2024 for unauthorized use of “Hold On, I’m Coming” at many rallies.
The lawsuit led to a federal judge granting an emergency hearing, with Hayes’ son, Isaac Hayes III, tweeting, “Donald Trump, the RNC, Trump, Trump for President Inc. 2024, Turning Point and The NRA are required to appear in court September 3rd, 2024 at the Northern U.S. District Federal Court in Atlanta.”
Jack White – 2016, 2024, Election Years
Jack White, the vocalist of The White Stripes, has also expressed his disapproval with Trump’s frequent usage of the band’s song “Seven Nation Army” during his campaigns. In 2016, White and his band were “disgusted by this association” when the song was used in a political video.
Eight years later, in 2024, White again criticized Trump after the song was used in a video posted by Trump’s deputy director of communications. “Oh….Don’t even think about using my music you fascists,” White wrote on social media.
Legal Action from Linkin Park – 2020 Election Year
Linkin Park took the same approach in 2020, when their song “In the End” played in a campaign film posted by Trump and his staff. The band quickly sent a cease-and-desist request, and the video was removed from X. The band highlighted that they hadn’t been endorsing Trump or his campaign.
Neil Young, Nickelback, and Ozzy Osbourne – 2016, 2020, Election Years
Musicians such as Neil Young, Nickelback, and Ozzy Osbourne have also expressed their opposition. After years of criticism, Neil Young filed a lawsuit in 2020 for the improper use of “Rockin’ in the Free World” and “Devil’s Sidewalk” at Trump rallies.
Nickelback’s song “Photograph” was removed from social media after being used in a video targeting Joe Biden, while Sharon Osbourne made a statement prohibiting the use of Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train.”
Pharrell – 2020 Election Year
In a different case, Pharrell Williams sued after Trump performed “Happy” at a rally just hours after a terrible incident in Pittsburgh.
His lawyer sent a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign, stating, “There was nothing ‘happy’ about the tragedy inflicted upon our country on Saturday and no permission was granted for your use of this song for this purpose.”
Eddy Grant – 2020 Election Year
In 2020, “Electric Avenue” the creator Eddy Grant had a video of the song being used in a Trump campaign deleted from the internet due to copyright infringement. Grant would later sue Trump and demand a cease and desist.
Creedence Clearwater Revival – 2020 Election Yeaar
Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty has spoken out against Trump’s usage of the band’s song “Fortunate Son”. In October 2020, Fogerty announced that he was sending a cease-and-desist letter to Trump, claiming that Trump “is using my words and my voice to portray a message that I do not endorse”.
Fogerty clarified that the song’s lyrics were intended to criticize how wealthy individuals are unfairly able to evade the draft or pay their fair amount of taxes.
Later, he actively supported Trump’s 2020 competitor, Joe Biden, by opening his own TikTok account in response to Trump’s violation of the cease-and-desist injunction over the use of his song, “Fortunate Son”.
Prince’s Estate – 2020 Election Year
Prince’s estate was among the most outspoken in its criticism of Trump, using the late musician’s popular song, “Purple Rain,” during campaign events in 2018 and 2019. At one point, the estate made its opinion known via a message posted on social media.
“The Prince Estate will never give permission to President Trump to use Prince’s songs.” Despite a clear disapproval, the former president continued to play the beloved artist’s song at various events, provoking dissatisfaction and public outrage among fans and the estate alike.
R.E.M. – 2016, 2020 Election Year
R.E.M., known for their controversial lyrics, were also targeted by Trump’s campaign playlist. The band first became angry in 2015 when Trump played their song “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” at a rally during his first presidential campaign.
Their anger escalated when Trump used their hit song “Everybody Hurts” in a social media video. Things boiled up further when Trump performed both “Everybody Hurts” and “Losing My Religion” at a 2020 re-election rally in Milwaukee.
Bassist Mike Mills took to social media, stating, “We are exploring all legal avenues to prevent this, but if that’s not possible, please know that we do not condone the use of our music by this fraud and con man.” The strong language underscored the band’s frustration and desire to distance themselves from the political figure.
Rihanna – 2020 Election Year
Pop superstar Rihanna made it abundantly clear that she did not support Trump’s use of her music. After her 2007 single “Don’t Stop the Music” was played at one of his rallies, she immediately responded on X, saying, “me nor my people would ever be at or around one of those tragic rallies.”
Her swift condemnation added another name to the growing list of artists protesting the unauthorized use of their work.
The Rolling Stones – 2016, 2020, Election Years
The Rolling Stones were equally angry with Trump’s use of their music. During his 2016 campaign, he frequently performed songs like as “Start Me Up,” “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” and “Brown Sugar.”
The music stars constantly expressed their disapproval, but Trump continued to play their songs at his gatherings. When he used “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” again at a 2020 event in Tulsa, the band decided to take a more aggressive stance, vowing to sue to halt the unauthorized use of their song.
ABBA – 2024 Election Years
August 2024: Former President Donald Trump sparked another controversy by openly using music during a rally in Minnesota without permission. This time, the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA was up next. Several of their iconic tracks, including “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and “Dancing Queen,” were featured in video montages at the event.
Upon discovering that their music had been used without consent, ABBA and their parent label, Universal Music, quickly took action. They issued a strongly statement demanding that Trump not use their music at any of his upcoming campaign events and that the rally’s videos be taken down right away.
Bruce Springsteen – 2016 Election Year
Performing “Born in the U.S.A.” at Trump’s election rallies in 2016 angered Bruce Springsteen.
Instead of taking legal action, Bruce publicly declared and actively campaigned for Hillary Clinton, Trump’s rival. Every time Trump performed the song at a rally after that, people would boo him.
Elton John – 2016 Election Year
In the 2016 election season, Elton John made it plain that his classic songs “Rocket Man” and “Tiny Dancer” will not be played at Trump rallies.
Although John acknowledged an important political difference, he made it clear that it was not a personal attack. The British singer stated that his music should be kept free from US politics, implying that musicians such as Ted Nugent would be better suited for such occasions.
Leonard Cohen – 2020 Election Year
In August 28, 2020, Leonard Cohen’s estate made headlines for its angry reaction to Trump’s use of Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at the Republican National Convention.
The estate released a statement denying the use of the music, arguing that Cohen’s “You Want It Darker” would have been a better choice if permission had been granted.
Everlast – 2020 Election Year
Everlast, best known for his smash single “Jump Around,” issued a cease-and-desist letter to Trump during the 2020 election. The rapper’s reaction was driven, including an angry rant criticizing the use of his music in Trump’s campaign rallies.
Johnny Marr – 2024 Election Year
As the 2024 election approached, Johnny Marr, a former member of The Smiths, joined the list of artists who oppose Trump’s use of their music. Marr strongly demonstrated to the use of “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want” during a rally, expressing surprise and displeasure at the unlawful usage. His response was clear: “Consider shutting this shit down right now.”
Luciano Pavarotti’s Estate – 2024 Election Year
Luciano Pavarotti’s family also spoke out against Trump in 2024. The family argued to the use of Pavarotti’s recording of “Nessun Dorma,” noting the stark difference between Trump’s views and Pavarotti’s image as a UN Messenger of Peace. The opera singer’s family felt that Trump’s immigration policies contradicted Pavarotti’s humanitarian endeavors.
Sinéad O’Connor’s Estate – 2024 Election Year
In a similar case, the estate of Sinéad O’Connor, along with Chrysalis Records, also took a stance, as they rejected Trump’s use of her rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” at a 2024 rally.
The estate was adamant that O’Connor would have been deeply offended by her work being associated with Trump’s campaign, underscoring the artist’s commitment to her principles.
Village People and Tom Petty – 2020 Election Year
During the 2020 election, Victor Willis of the Village People and Tom Petty’s family both expressed concerns. Willis, best known for “Y.M.C.A.” and “Macho Man,” first requested that his music not be used, but it was still used despite his cease-and-desist letter.
Similarly, Petty’s family opposed Trump’s usage of “I Won’t Back Down,” claiming that the song reflected principles that contradicted Trump’s image.
Yoann Lemoine – 2024 Election Year
French artist Yoann Lemoine, also known as Woodkid, criticized Donald Trump for using his song “Run Boy Run” at a 2024 rally. Lemoine emphasized that the track is an LGBT+ anthem, confirming his belief that such music should not be exploited for political goals that contradict its original message.
Twisted Sister – 2016 Election Year
Twisted Sister in 2014 initially permitted Trump to use “We’re Not Gonna Take It” for his 2016 campaign because of its defiant nature. However, by 2015, frontman Dee Snider had withdrawn permission, claiming serious challenges with Trump’s controversial views, suggesting a shift in the band’s stance as political tensions heightened.
