Numerous artists across genres have voiced strong objections to Donald Trump using their music at campaign events. Following the broadcast of Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” at a rally in Bozeman, Montana, her team quickly issued a statement denying any authorization for its use. “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use,” the statement declared, adding, “…And really, THAT song?”
Dion’s protest is part of a broader trend. Many performers, including Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, and Neil Young, have opposed Trump’s use of their songs in the past. This opposition extends to the estates of deceased artists like Leonard Cohen and Tom Petty, as well as British icons such as the Rolling Stones and Adele.
Artists like Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young object to Trump’s use of their music at campaign events
Despite this, Trump has secured endorsements from a few musicians like Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood, known for “God Bless the USA.” “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People was also played at a recent Trump rally in Asheville, North Carolina.
Recently, several artists have renewed their objections. For instance, Johnny Marr of The Smiths expressed frustration on X after his band’s song “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” was used at Trump events.
David Porter, co-writer of “Hold On, I’m Coming,” also condemned Trump’s use of the song at an NRA rally in 2022, leading to a legal threat from Isaac Hayes’ family for 134 counts of copyright infringement. Artists can legally challenge the use of their music in political campaigns, although they often lack control over how their songs are used.
Performing rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI manage licenses that allow political campaigns to use songs from their catalogs, which means individual negotiations are not required. If artists object, they can request the removal of their songs from the license, but not all campaigns comply promptly.
Other instances include Pharrell Williams sending a cease-and-desist letter over “Happy” in 2018 and John Fogerty taking similar action against “Fortunate Son” in 2020. Neil Young even filed a lawsuit over the unauthorized use of his music, though he later dropped the case. Eddy Grant also pursued legal action against Trump for using “Electric Avenue” in a campaign video mocking Joe Biden.
