A major aspect of Donald Trump's presidential election campaigns, in his 2016, 2020, and 2024 campaigns, was unauthorized use of music at his prominent and frequent political rallies. Below are musicians who have voiced opposition to their music being used by Trump at his rallies, or for other political purposes, and the actions they took in response to their music's use. [1] [2] [3] [4]
Separately to the individual cases below, a group of artists including Mick Jagger, Lorde, Sia, Blondie, Sheryl Crow, Green Day, Lionel Richie, Elvis Costello, Keith Richards, Steven Tyler and Rosanne Cash in collaboration with the Artist Rights Alliance, have signed a letter demanding that politicians seek permission before playing their music at campaign rallies and public events. [5] Trump's use of music without permission has become the subject of satire, with The Onion claiming that the estate of Irving Berlin was suing Trump for his glockenspiel rendition of "God Bless America", [6] and that the Francis Scott Key estate had sent Trump a cease and desist letter demanding he stop playing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at his rallies. [7]
Venues and political campaigns can buy rights to play songs through licensing packages offered by performing rights organizations such as BMI and ASCAP. [8] BMI and ASCAP allow artists to remove a song from a campaign's Political Entities License. [9] After BMI or ASCAP notifies the campaign of the song's removal, the campaign must stop using the song or risk legal action for copyright infringement. [10] A political campaign that uses a licensed song without the artist's permission may also risk legal action on grounds of trademark infringement, [10] false advertising, or right of publicity. [11]
ABBA demanded that Trump stop using their music after a campaign event in St. Cloud, MN, on August 27, 2024. ABBA stated: "[W]e have discovered that videos have been released where Abba’s music/videos has been used at Trump events, and we have therefore requested that such use be immediately taken down and removed," adding that "no permission or licence has been given to Trump." [12]
Adele stated that Trump did not have permission to use her songs "Rolling in the Deep" or "Skyfall" at Trump political rallies in 2016, and requested that her music not be used in any political campaigning. [13] [14] Adele later endorsed Trump's 2016 opponent, Hillary Clinton. [15]
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith demanded that Trump stop playing "Dream On" at Trump's political rallies in 2015. [16] In 2018, Tyler demanded that Trump stop using another song, "Living on the Edge", at his political rallies. A cease and desist letter was sent both times. [17]
Magne Furuholmen of the band A-ha, opposed the use of the rotoscoping clip from "Take On Me" music video at a Trump rally in October 2019. Furuholmen said “You write a song in your youth and you don’t write for a particular group of people...We make our music for everybody. We didn’t intend to make our music part of a divisive campaign and, all things equal, would preferred it not to have been. We are Norwegian-born, but we have friends all over the world and are concerned about what the world is coming to." He released a protest song titled “This is Now America”, as a direct response to the Trump administration. [18]
In 2020, after original "Cats" star Betty Buckley urged the show's composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, to stop Trump from playing her signature song "Memory" at his political rallies, Webber's UK-based company, Really Useful Group, sent a cease and desist letter to Trump's 2020 campaign. [19]
Eric Burdon of The Animals objected after Trump used "House of the Rising Sun" during a September 2, 2020, campaign event. "[N]obody asked my permission," Burdon stated, adding that “[a] tale of sin and misery set in a brothel suits him so perfectly.” He suggested that The Animals' "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" would have been more appropriate. [20]
On July 23, 2024, the Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris obtained permission from Beyoncé and Parkwood Entertainment to use "Freedom" as the official song for her 2024 presidential campaign. [21] On August 20, 2024, Steven Cheung, a Republican spokesperson, posted on Twitter a 13-second video of Trump's arrival in Detroit for a rally using "Freedom" as the theme song. [22] [23] The following day, Beyoncé's record label and music publisher sent a cease and desist letter to Trump for using the song without permission. [24]
Bruce Springsteen opposed Trump using his song "Born in the U.S.A." at Trump's political rallies in 2016. [25] Rather than take legal action, he openly announced his support for Trump's opponent, Hillary Clinton, and campaigned in support of her. From that time on, the song would get booed every time Trump played it at rallies. [26]
Celine Dion's management team and Sony Music Canada issued a statement following the unauthorized use of "My Heart Will Go On" at a Trump political rally in Montana in August 2024, saying that "[…] Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use. …And really, THAT song?". [27]
John Fogerty, the frontman for the band Creedence Clearwater Revival, has opposed Trump's use of the band's song "Fortunate Son". In October 2020, Fogerty announced he was sending a cease-and-desist letter to Trump, saying that Trump "is using my words and my voice to portray a message that I do not endorse". [28] Fogerty noted that it was quite the opposite—the song's lyrics were meant as a critique of how wealthy people are unfairly able to avoid the draft or pay their share of taxes. [29] Later on, he openly endorsed Trump's 2020 challenger, Joe Biden, by launching his own TikTok account following Trump's defiance of the cease-and-desist order over usage of his song, "Fortunate Son". [30]
Earth, Wind & Fire criticized Trump's use of their song "September" without permission at the 2016 Republican National Convention. [31]
Eddy Grant issued a copyright complaint over Trump's use of his song "Electric Avenue" in a political video he tweeted. The video was taken down, and a lawsuit and cease-and-desist letter followed. [32] Grant's September 2020 lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, alleged copyright infringement. [33] On September 13, 2024, the Court ruled that Eddy Grant and Greenheart Music Limited were entitled to summary judgment on liability. “The video is best described as a wholesale copying of music to accompany a political campaign ad,” the judge wrote. [34] Copyrightlately noted: "With liability established, the case will now focus on determining damages." [35]
On November 20, 2024, the court issued an order stating that the two sides had settled the lawsuit and that the case would be discontinued. The order did not disclose the terms of the settlement. [36]
Elton John opposed the use of his songs "Rocket Man" and "Tiny Dancer" at Trump political rallies in 2016. [37] John noted that while their political views were very different, it was not personal. [38] He believed that, as a British musician, his music had no place in U.S. politics at all, and that Ted Nugent, for example, was more appropriate. [39]
House of Pain rapper Everlast issued a cease-and-desist letter over Trump's use of his song "Jump Around" during his campaign rallies, and launched a profanity-laced tirade against him. [40]
In August 2024, the Foo Fighters objected to the use of their song "My Hero" at the rally where Trump introduced Robert Kennedy Jr. A statement from the band stated that Trump did not ask for permission to use the track, nor would the band have granted it if it had been requested. The statement also mentioned that any increased royalties from its usage would be donated directly to the Kamala Harris 2024 presidential campaign. [41] The Trump campaign responded by stating that it had licensed the song from BMI's Songview service. [42]
After Trump's 2016 campaign used Free's song "All Right Now", vocalist Paul Rodgers stated: "Permission to use 'All Right Now' was never sought for or granted by me. My lawyer is dealing with this matter." [43]
George Harrison's estate denounced the use of the Harrison-written Beatles song "Here Comes the Sun" after the Trump campaign used the song to introduce Ivanka Trump at the 2016 Republican National Convention. [44] The estate noted that Trump did not have permission to use this song, but that they would consider allowing him to use the Harrison song "Beware of Darkness". [44]
In November 2018, after Trump played the band's hit song "Sweet Child o' Mine" during an event, Axl Rose said that he and his band had formally requested that Trump not use their music at his events, and posted on X that "the Trump campaign is using loopholes in the various venues' blanket performance licenses which were not intended for such craven political purposes, without the songwriters' consent." [45]
In May 2020, Axl Rose opposed the use of the Guns N' Roses cover of the Paul McCartney and Wings song "Live and Let Die" in a meatpacking plant where Trump refused to take the COVID-19 pandemic precaution of wearing a mask. In response, Rose created shirts with the phrase "Live N’ Let Die With COVID 45", with all proceeds going to the MusiCares charity. [46] [47]
On May 28, 2022, the family of Isaac Hayes harshly criticized Trump for using the Sam & Dave song "Hold On, I'm Comin'" at a National Rifle Association convention: "The estate and family of Isaac Hayes DID NOT approve and would NEVER approve the use of “Hold on I’m coming” by Sam and Dave by Donald Trump at this weekend's @NRA convention. Our condolences go out to the victims and families of #Uvalde and mass shooting victims everywhere." [48] Song co-writer David Porter also objected to the use of the song, stating "Someone shared with me Donald Trump used the song 'Hold On I’m Coming' for a speaking appearance of his. Hell to the No! I did Not and would NOT approve of them using the song for any of his purposes! I also know Isaac's estate wouldn't approve as well! #Memphis #Music #Grammy" [49]
On August 10, 2024, the family of Isaac Hayes threatened Trump with legal action if he continued to use "Hold On, I'm Comin', which Trump used at a Bozeman, Montana, rally on that date. The following week, Isaac Hayes Enterprises, LLC, and the Estate of Isaac Hayes sued Trump, his campaign, the RNC, the NRA, and Turning Point USA for copyright and trademark infringement in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. [50] [51] On September 3, 2024, the Court issued a preliminary injunction temporarily barring the Trump campaign from performing the song at future rallies. [51]
Johnny Marr, English songwriter and former member of The Smiths, opposed the use of the song "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" at a 2024 rally without permission. Upon finding out about it, Marr stated, "I never in a million years would've thought this could come to pass. Consider this shit shut right down right now." [52] [53]
On August 28, 2020, Leonard Cohen's estate issued a statement criticizing Trump's unauthorized use of Cohen's "Hallelujah" at the Republican National Convention. They said they specifically rejected permission for its use, and would have only realistically considered approving Cohen's song "You Want It Darker". [54]
On July 18, 2020, Trump retweeted a fan-made re-election campaign video ad featuring a cover of Linkin Park's "In the End". Twitter received a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice from the band's management company, Machine Shop Entertainment, and the video was pulled. Linkin Park followed up with a response, "Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued." The group's late lead singer, Chester Bennington, had called Trump a "greater threat to the USA than terrorism." [55] [56]
Family members of Italian opera singer Luciano Pavarotti protested the use of his recording of "Nessun Dorma" (which ends with the line "Vincerò! Vincerò!" – "I will win! I will win!") at Trump's rallies. Pavarotti's widow and three daughters objected, stating that Trump's views on immigration were incompatible with Pavarotti's efforts as United Nations Messenger of Peace, which had raised large amounts of money for the support of immigrants and refugees. [57]
Neil Young has indicated multiple times that he does not approve of the use of his song "Rockin' in the Free World" at Trump rallies, which has been done since 2015. [58] Young conceded he had no legal grounds to oppose the song's use, but in 2020 he wrote a scathing open letter directed at Trump that stated: "Every time 'Rockin’ in the Free World' or one of my songs is played at your rallies, I hope you hear my voice. Remember it is the voice of a tax-paying U.S. citizen who does not support you. Me." [59] He later objected to the use of the song in Trump's speech at Mount Rushmore on the Fourth of July the same year. [60] In August 2020, Young sued Trump for copyright infringement in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, [61] but had the case voluntarily dismissed in December 2020. [62] Business Insider later stated that the suit was "quietly settled for an undisclosed sum four months after it was filed." [63]
Nickelback indicated that they did not support Trump's use of their song "Photograph". When Trump tweeted a doctored version of the song and music video on Twitter, the band's record label, Warner Music Group, issued a copyright claim, leading to the video being taken down. [64] Sales of the real version of the song jumped over 500% in the days afterwards despite the takedown. [65]
Nico Vega criticized a "fight for Trump" video, shared by Trump on Twitter December 20, 2020, for using their song "Beast". "To be clear, Nico Vega does not support the use of our song "Beast" in Trump's recent video, We have love and empathy for all people of all backgrounds, races and beliefs, and we feel sick how all Americans' fears and vulnerabilities have been exploited over the last four years, We will not participate in a form of propaganda that pits Americans against one another." [66] On December 23, 2020, Billboard magazine reported that Nico Vega dropped a "cease and desist" playlist on Spotify listing all the bands that had opposed Trump's use of their songs at rallies or in campaign videos, and the titles of all those songs. [67]
In 2022, Nik Kershaw, English singer-songwriter opposed Trump's use of the Chesney Hawkes song, "The One and Only", on the Save America Rally in Minden, Nevada: "Dude. I wrote this song. I do not endorse you, Trump, your views or your ideology and deeply resent your use of this song as your walk on music. Kindly cease and desist." [68]
In 2016, Eddie Levert and Walter Williams of The O'Jays asked Trump to stop using their song "Love Train" at his presidential campaign rallies. Levert says he told Trump: "Listen, man, I don’t believe in what you’re doing. I’m not with you. I don’t want you to use my voice. I’m not condoning what you’re doing.” [69] Williams stated: “Our music, and most especially, ‘Love Train’ is about bringing people together, not building walls. I don’t appreciate being associated with Mr. Trump and his usage of our music without permission.” [70]
Ozzy Osbourne criticized Trump's use of his iconic song "Crazy Train" in a video highlighting the technical difficulties in the first Democratic presidential primary debate, stating with his wife Sharon Osbourne in a joint statement: "[W]e are sending notice to the Trump campaign (or any other campaigns) that they are forbidden from using any of Ozzy Osbourne’s music in political ads or in any political campaigns." [71]
Brendon Urie of Panic! at the Disco demanded that Trump stop using his song "High Hopes" at Trump's political rallies in 2020, releasing a brief statement, saying, "Donald Trump represents nothing we stand for...Dear Trump Campaign, F--- you. You're not invited. Stop playing my song. No thanks, Brendon Urie, Panic! At The Disco & company". [72]
Pharrell Williams opposed Trump's playing of his song "Happy" at rallies, including one held just hours after the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting. Williams' legal team threatened legal action, claiming its use without permission was copyright and trademark infringement. [73]
Phil Collins's legal team sent a cease-and-desist letter to Trump's campaign after the unauthorized use of "In the Air Tonight" at a rally at Des Moines, Iowa on October 14, 2020. [74]
The estate of Prince condemned Trump's use of his song "Purple Rain" at a rally in 2019. In response, the estate shared a letter from the Trump campaign from 2018 that had promised not to use Prince's music, because they had not received the rights from the estate, showing they had official documentation of acknowledgement that they did not have the rights to play the music. [75]
Brian May of Queen opposed Trump's use of "We Are the Champions" as his "theme song" while walking out to the Republican National Convention in 2016. He denounced its use as unauthorized, where permission was neither sought nor given, and that they were looking at taking further steps should the band's music be used any further by his campaign. [76] Queen, posting on X, stated that they had previously asked Trump to stop playing the song. [77]
R.E.M. has opposed the use of their music by Trump on a number of occasions. In 2015, vocalist Michael Stipe voiced opposition of "It's the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" at Trump rallies, stating "Do not use our music or my voice for your moronic charade of a campaign." [78] In 2019, bassist Mike Mills spoke out about Trump's promotion of a video containing the unauthorized use of the song "Everybody Hurts", urging Twitter to take it down, which it eventually did. [79] Later in 2020, Mills threatened legal action over using "Everybody Hurts" and "Losing My Religion" at Trump's rallies. [80]
Rihanna threatened legal action against Trump for the unauthorized use of her song "Don't Stop the Music" at Trump rallies in 2018. Her legal team released a comment that Rihanna has no association or affiliation with Trump, and she did not support his campaign. [81]
Both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones opposed Trump's use of the song "You Can't Always Get What You Want". The band sent him cease and desist letters about its use in 2016, and upon Trump using it again in June 2020, the band teamed up with Broadcast Music, Inc. to threaten legal action if the song is used again. [82] [83]
In October 2024 Rufus Wainwright issued a statement saying that he did not condone the use of his cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania on October 14, 2024. He described the song's use at the rally as "the height of blasphemy" but hoped, without much expectation, that listening to the lyrics of the song might engender a sense of remorse in Trump. [84]
The estate of Sinéad O'Connor and Chrysalis Records opposed Trump's use of her cover of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U", at a 2024 rally. The estate explained that "it is no exaggeration to say that Sinéad would have been disgusted, hurt, and insulted to have her work misrepresented in this way." [85]
On September 6, 2024, Harry Shearer (portrayor of Derek Smalls) posted on X: "Not a band to be outdone, Spinal Tap is demanding that the Trump campaign refrain from playing 'Sex Farm' at their rallies." Asked if 'Big Bottom' was still "up for grabs" for Trump, Shearer replied, "He thinks so." Consequence noted: "Even fictional bands are banning the Trump campaign from using their music." [86]
The family of Tom Petty denounced Trump's use of the song "I Won't Back Down" at political rallies in 2020. [87] The family sent the campaign a cease and desist letter, stating that the song was written for the "underdog" and "common man", and that Trump did not represent either. [88]
In 2014 Twisted Sister allowed Trump to use "We're Not Gonna Take It" for his 2016 campaign because it is "a song about rebellion, and there's nothing more rebellious than what Donald Trump is doing right now". However, in 2015, the band's frontman Dee Snider withdrew permission for Trump's campaign to use the song, stating that "it's very upsetting to me, because I strongly don't agree with his extremist positions". [89] [90]
In June 2020 Village People frontman Victor Willis asked that Trump no longer use any of his music at his rallies, particularly the songs "Macho Man" and "Y.M.C.A." [91] After a cease and desist letter from Willis, usage continued. Scorpio Music, Village People's label, are considering legal action against Trump for using "Y.M.C.A." at his rallies. [92] In May 2023, Village People manager Karen Willis sent Trump a cease and desist letter stating that a performance of "Macho Man" at Mar-a-Lago by individuals dressed like the group was unauthorized and violated U.S. trademark law. [93]
After Trump played "Y.M.C.A." at a Pennsylvania campaign rally on October 14, 2024, Willis said he would permit Trump to use the song until the end of the 2024 presidential campaign, stating that suing Trump would be "stupid and just plain hateful." Willis further stated: "Trump's use of 'Y.M.C.A.' has greatly benefited the song. For example, when Trump started using 'Y.M.C.A' the song shot back up to #2 on Billboard's digital chart." [94]
Following a political ad for the Trump campaign using the song "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes in October 2016, lead singer Jack White and his former wife and drummer, Meg White, issued a statement that they did not give permission for Trump to use their music, nor were they implying their support for him. The record label Third Man Records asked Trump not to use The White Stripes, or any of Third Man Records material for his rallies. [95] [96] In the weeks following, they also released merchandise referencing their final studio album Icky Thump , renaming it "Icky Trump", and including altered lyrics related to the ideologies of Trump and his supporters. [97]
After a Trump campaign staffer used "Seven Nation Army” in an August 29, 2024, post on X, Jack White posted on Instagram: “Oh….Don’t even think about using my music you fascists. Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.)” [98] On September 9, 2024, Jack White and Meg White filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York alleging copyright and trademark infringement. [99] [100] The complaint also noted that the band objected to Trump's use of their music because they "vehemently oppose the policies adopted and actions taken by Defendant Trump when he was President and those he has proposed for the second term he seeks." [101]
On November 10, 2024, the plaintiffs filed to voluntarily dismiss all claims against the defendants. [102]
French singer-songwriter and music video director Yoann Lemoine, under his stage name "Woodkid", condemned Trump for the use of his song "Run Boy Run" during the 2024 presidential rally. Lemoine also stated that "Run Boy Run" is an LGBT+ anthem. [103]
"Y.M.C.A." is a song by American disco group Village People, written by Jacques Morali and singer Victor Willis and released in October 1978 by Casablanca Records as the only single from their third studio album, Cruisin' (1978). A medley with "Hot Cop" reached No. 2 on the US Billboard Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart, while the song reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 1979, placing behind both "Le Freak" by Chic and "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" by Rod Stewart. After Donald Trump played the song in 2024, 46 years after its release, "Y.M.C.A." spent 3 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Song Sales chart and peaked at No. 15 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. Outside the US, "Y.M.C.A." reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart around the same time, becoming the group's biggest hit. It has sold 12 million copies worldwide.
A cease and desist letter is a document sent by one party, often a business, to warn another party that they believe the other party is committing an unlawful act, such as copyright infringement, and that they will take legal action if the other party continues the alleged unlawful activity. The letter may warn that, if the recipient does not discontinue specified conduct, or take certain actions, by deadlines set in the letter, the letter's recipient may be sued. The phrase "cease and desist" is a legal doublet, made up of two near-synonyms. A cease and desist letter issued by a government entity, called a cease and desist order, is "a warning of impending judicial enforcement".
"Rockin' in the Free World" is a song by Canadian-American singer-songwriter Neil Young, released on Young's seventeenth studio album Freedom (1989). Two versions of the song bookend the album, similarly to "Hey Hey, My My " from Young's Rust Never Sleeps album, one of which is performed with a predominantly acoustic arrangement, and the other predominantly electric. Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Rockin' In the Free World" number 214 on its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Edmond Montague Grant is a Guyanese-British singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, known for his genre-blending sound and socially conscious lyrics; his music has blended elements of pop, British rock, soul, funk, reggae, electronic music, African polyrhythms, and Latin music genres such as samba, among many others. In addition to this, he also helped to pioneer the genre of "Ringbang". He was a founding member of the Equals, one of the United Kingdom's first racially mixed pop groups who are best remembered for their million-selling UK chart-topper, the Grant-penned "Baby, Come Back".
"You Can't Always Get What You Want" is a song by the English rock band the Rolling Stones from their 1969 album Let It Bleed. Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, it was named as the 100th greatest song of all time by Rolling Stone magazine in its 2004 list of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" before dropping a place the following year.
"We're Not Gonna Take It" is a song by American heavy metal band Twisted Sister from their album Stay Hungry. It was first released as a single in May 1984.
"Macho Man" is a song by American disco group Village People, released as the second single and title song of their album Macho Man (1978). The song entered the Billboard Hot 100 on June 24, 1978 before picking up more airplay that August. It became the Village People's first charting hit in the United States, peaking on the Hot 100 at number 25 on the week of September 2.
"Do You Hear the People Sing?" is one of the principal and most recognisable songs from the 1980 musical Les Misérables. It is sung twice in the opening and closing section of the stage musical.
"I Won't Back Down" is a song by American rock musician Tom Petty. It was released in April 1989 as the lead single from his first solo album, Full Moon Fever. The song was co-written by Petty and Jeff Lynne, his writing partner for the album. It reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Album Rock Tracks chart for five weeks, starting the album's road to multi-platinum status.
"Wang Dang Sweet Poontang" is a hard rock song written and performed by Ted Nugent. It was first released in 1977 on the Epic album Cat Scratch Fever and as the B-side of the Epic single, Cat Scratch Fever. The song was produced by Lew Futterman and Cliff Davies. An extended live version of the song was released in 1978 on the Double Live Gonzo! album. The song has also been covered by various artists, including a 2020 cover by heavy metal supergroup BPMD.
Village People is an American disco group known for its on-stage costumes and suggestive lyrics in their music. The group was originally formed by French producers Jacques Morali, Henri Belolo and lead singer Victor Willis following the release of the debut album Village People, which targeted disco's large gay audience. The group's name refers to Manhattan's Greenwich Village, with its reputation as a gay village. The characters were a symbolic group of American masculinity and macho gay-fantasy personas. To date, Willis is the only original member still remaining with the group.
"The Snake" is a song written and first recorded by civil-rights activist Oscar Brown in 1963; it became a hit single for American singer Al Wilson in 1968. The song tells a story similar to Aesop's fable The Farmer and the Viper and the African American folktale "Mr. Snake and the Farmer".
"Make America Great Again" is an American political slogan and political movement most recently popularized by Donald Trump during his successful presidential campaigns in 2016 and in 2024. "MAGA" is also used to refer to Trump's political base, or to an individual or group of individuals from within that base. The slogan became a pop culture phenomenon, seeing widespread use and spawning numerous variants in the arts, entertainment and politics, being used by both supporters and opponents of Trump's presidency. Originally used by Ronald Reagan as a campaign slogan in his 1980 presidential campaign, it has since been described as a loaded phrase. Multiple scholars, journalists, and commentators have called the slogan racist, regarding it as dog-whistle politics and coded language.
"Freedom" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Beyoncé featuring the American rapper Kendrick Lamar. It is the tenth track on her sixth studio album, Lemonade (2016), released through Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records. The song's music video is part of Beyoncé's 2016 film Lemonade, aired on HBO alongside the album's release. In the years since, the song has become an anthem for various social and political movements, most notably Kamala Harris' 2024 presidential campaign.
From 1973 until he was elected president in 2016, Donald Trump and his businesses were involved in over 4,000 legal cases in United States federal and state courts, including battles with casino patrons, million-dollar real estate lawsuits, personal defamation lawsuits, and over 100 business tax disputes. He has also been accused of sexual harassment and sexual assault, with one accusation resulting in him being held civilly liable. One case involved a 13 year old child.
Multiple songs, albums, bands and performances have referenced Donald Trump or his various brands, including Trump Tower, his TV show, his hotel chain, and his casinos. While recent songs refer to Trump's campaign, election, and tenure as President of the United States, more than 200 songs refer to Trump prior to his campaigns for president. Most earlier references to Trump in lyrics revolve around his status as a business tycoon, but then shifted toward a stance more critical of his politics as he attempted to attain public office. With his victory in the 2016 presidential election, Trump's prominence in hip-hop music has been likened to that of Ronald Reagan's in hardcore punk during the 1980s.
Donald Trump, a member of the Republican Party, sought re-election in the 2020 United States presidential election. He was inaugurated as president of the United States on January 20, 2017, and filed for re-election with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on the same day.
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Donald Trump, who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021, announced his campaign for the 2024 U.S. presidential election on November 15, 2022. After he won a landslide victory in the 2024 Iowa Republican presidential caucuses, Trump was generally described as being the Republican Party's presumptive nominee. He was officially nominated on July 15, 2024, at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, when he also announced JD Vance, a junior U.S. Senator from Ohio, as the nominee for vice president. On November 5, 2024, Trump and Vance were elected president and vice president of the United States. Trump is the oldest person to be elected to the presidency and will be the oldest president in American history by the end of his term. He will also become the second president to serve a non-consecutive term after Grover Cleveland.