Donald Trump faced a significant setback just hours before the launch of the Freedom 250 celebrations on June 24, after the estate of legendary singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen publicly condemned the planned use of his iconic song 'Hallelujah' at the event. The estate issued a preemptive statement declaring that the performance was not authorized and that they did not support or approve of such usage.
Despite the objection, Trump proceeded with the performance, and the song was sung by Christopher Macchio and Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Bennear on the National Mall stage in the hour before the President spoke. This is not the first time Trump has ignored the wishes of the Cohen estate; in 2020, they specifically declined a request from the Republican National Committee to use the song during the final night of the Republican National Convention, but it was played anyway, also sung by Macchio. Cohen died in November 2016 at the age of 82.
Previous Music Controversies Involving Trump
The Cohen estate is not the first to object to unauthorized use of music at Trump rallies and campaign events. In 2024, Celine Dion publicly criticized the use of her song 'My Heart Will Go On' at a campaign rally. Her management company issued a statement saying, 'In no way is this use authorized and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use.' The statement also questioned the choice of track, adding, '...and really, that song?'
That same year, Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters spoke out after Trump used the band's song 'My Hero' without permission at a rally to introduce Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Grohl made it clear on social media that the then-former President was not given approval. When asked on X if the band allowed the use, the group initially replied 'No' and further reiterated their stance by retweeting the exchange with another message: 'Let us be clear.'
Legal Actions and Settlements
In 2024, the family of the late R&B legend Isaac Hayes filed a federal copyright infringement lawsuit over the use of 'Hold On, I'm Coming' at Trump campaign events. A federal judge issued a temporary injunction forbidding its use, and the parties eventually reached a settlement. Pop icon Beyoncé also threatened legal action and issued a cease-and-desist over the use of her song 'Freedom' in a 2024 campaign video.
These incidents highlight a recurring pattern of Trump's campaign using popular music without proper authorization, leading to public disputes and legal challenges from artists and their estates.
