Former President Donald J. Trump has faced backlash from artists for using their music at rallies without authorization. Trump recently played Celine Dion’s iconic ballad, “My Heart Will Go On,” sparking a strong response from the singer herself, who took to social media to clarify that “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use.” Dion’s statement included a pointed remark questioning the selection of the song for such events.
Adding to the controversy, the estate of legendary musician Isaac Hayes has threatened legal action against Trump for using his classic track “Hold On, I’m Coming.” The Hayes family is seeking $3 million in licensing fees, claiming their requests for Trump to cease using the song over the years have gone unheeded. They described Trump’s actions as “wilful and brazen copyright infringement.”
This incident is part of a larger trend where a growing number of artists have publicly denounced Trump for incorporating their songs into his rallies. Notable figures include Johnny Marr from the Smiths, who expressed his disapproval, stating, “Consider this shit shut right down,” regarding Trump’s use of their music. The estate of the late Sinéad O’Connor also joined the chorus, asserting that she would have been “disgusted, hurt and insulted” by the misuse of her work, labeling Trump as a “Biblical devil.”
As the discourse surrounding copyright and political endorsements continues, it raises important questions about artists’ rights and the responsibility of public figures in respecting those rights.
