Donald Trump’s recent rally in Pennsylvania has taken a turn for the bizarre, leaving him facing backlash from multiple artists.
During the event, rather than engaging with his supporters, the former president opted to sway on stage for an astonishing 39 minutes while a medley of songs played in the background.
Among these tunes was Leonard Cohen’s iconic “Hallelujah,” performed by Rufus Wainwright, which has sparked outrage from the artist himself.
Wainwright took to Instagram to express his dismay over the use of his rendition of “Hallelujah” at the rally.
He described the event as a transformation from a question-and-answer session into an unsettling musical spectacle.
The singer emphasized that Cohen’s song represents themes of peace and acceptance, and he found it deeply offensive to see it associated with Trump’s political gatherings.
Wainwright’s statement conveyed his hope that perhaps Trump might reflect on the song’s lyrics, although he admitted he wasn’t holding his breath for any change in behavior.
Adding to the controversy, the publishing company representing Leonard Cohen’s estate has issued a cease and desist letter to the Trump campaign.
This legal action not only underscores the seriousness of the situation but also suggests potential financial repercussions for Trump if he continues to use unauthorized music at his rallies.
This isn’t an isolated incident for Trump.
Just months ago, he faced criticism from Céline Dion after her song “My Heart Will Go On” was played at a Montana rally without permission.
Dion’s management swiftly condemned the act, making it clear that she does not endorse any political campaign using her music in this manner.
The irony of using a song about a sinking ship for a candidate whose campaign resembles a similar fate was not lost on many.
Moreover, Isaac Hayes III has taken legal action against Trump for allegedly using his father’s song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at various rallies without authorization.
Hayes’ family is demanding $3 million in licensing fees and has threatened further legal action if their demands are not met by mid-August 2024.
This case highlights a pattern of artists seeking to protect their work from being co-opted for political purposes.
The list of artists rebuking Trump for unauthorized music usage is extensive.
Adele, Beyoncé, and even the Foo Fighters have all publicly denounced the former president for using their songs without consent.
Each artist has made it clear that they do not support Trump’s political agenda, often issuing cease and desist letters to halt the misuse of their music.
Interestingly, some artists have expressed their disdain with humor.
Brendon Urie of Panic!
at the Disco tweeted a blunt message to the Trump campaign, stating they were no longer welcome to use his music.
Similarly, Earth, Wind & Fire and Guns N’ Roses have also voiced their objections, reminding the public that they stand against the exploitation of their art for political gain.
Even more notable is how Trump’s campaign appears to exploit loopholes in venue licensing agreements, which were never intended for such political exploitation.
This tactic has drawn ire from many artists, who argue that their music should not be used to lend credibility to a campaign they fundamentally oppose.
As the list of offended musicians grows, it becomes increasingly clear that Trump’s attempts to use popular music as a backdrop for his rallies have backfired spectacularly.
The artists he admires have made it abundantly clear that they want nothing to do with him or his campaign.
While Trump may find solace in the support of some figures like Kid Rock, the overwhelming response from the music community serves as a reminder that many artists view his political actions as a threat to the values they hold dear.
The disconnect between Trump and the cultural icons he tries to align with is stark.
In a world where music often serves as a unifying force, the backlash against Trump indicates that many artists see his political endeavors as fundamentally opposed to the messages their music conveys.
As the legal battles loom and the artists continue to speak out, it seems Trump’s musical misadventures will only add to the growing list of challenges he faces on the campaign trail.
