Beyoncé has issued a cease-and-desist order to the Trump campaign after her song “Freedom” was used in a video posted on social media without permission, Rolling Stone has learned.
The 13-second clip, featuring Trump disembarking from a plane in Michigan, was posted by Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung. Despite the cease-and-desist, the video remained on Cheung’s account as of Wednesday. Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” which had become the unofficial anthem of Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, was used without authorization, unlike Harris’ campaign, which had obtained permission from the artist.
Unauthorized Use Sparks Legal Threats
Beyoncé’s label swiftly responded to the unauthorized use of the song, reinforcing her long-standing stance against the use of her music by individuals or groups without approval. The Trump campaign is notorious for utilizing music without obtaining artists’ consent, and Beyoncé is just the latest in a line of musicians who have taken legal action.
Kamala Harris’ Campaign Anthem
Earlier this summer, Harris adopted “Freedom” as her campaign anthem, kicking off her presidential campaign with the song playing at her public appearances. Actor Jeffrey Wright provided narration for a campaign ad featuring the song, asking, “What kind of America do we want?” Harris’ use of the song was a deliberate celebration of unity and perseverance, in stark contrast to Trump’s frequent, unapproved use of music at his rallies.
Trump’s History of Musical Controversy
Trump has a long history of using music at campaign rallies without artists’ permission. Dozens of musicians, including the Rolling Stones, Adele, and Neil Young, have publicly condemned Trump for using their music without consent. Neil Young, in particular, filed a lawsuit against Trump in 2020 for using his song “Rockin’ in the Free World,” stating that Trump’s use of the song was divisive and un-American.
Beyoncé’s recent cease-and-desist order highlights the ongoing struggle artists face in protecting their work from unauthorized political usage.
DNC Anticipation and Beyoncé Rumors
Rumors that Beyoncé would perform at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) reached fever pitch, but her representatives later confirmed that she was never scheduled to appear. Nonetheless, Beyoncé’s music remained an integral part of the Harris campaign, particularly with “Freedom” symbolizing themes of liberation and unity.
Ultimately, the use of “Freedom” in Trump’s campaign video was not only legally problematic but also contrary to the song’s core message, which aligns with Harris’ progressive values rather than Trump’s divisive rhetoric.
