The Donald J. Trump for President 2024 Campaign does not respect the protections musical artists are granted under copyright law in the United States. In the third campaign for the executive branch leader, Trump has continually used songs from musicians blindsided to learn of the unauthorized use. With his group of celebrity endorsements, it is surprising he doesn’t fuel his campaign with the musicians who support his cause.
No Permission, No Play
In the world of copyright law, it has been ruled that artists should have the ability and right to control the use of their work. The U.S. Copyright Office’s website, www.copyright.gov, explains what every musician should know about copyright law. They also include a section called “Using Someone Else’s Work,” which states, “It’s important not to assume that you can freely use other works.”
Last week, Jack White made good on his promise from last month to sue the Trump Campaign for unauthorized use of the White Stripes song, “Seven Nation Army.” The rocker took to his Instagram page to share the first page of the U.S. District Court – Southern District of New York lawsuit. For the caption, White wrote, “This machine sues fascists.”
Repeat Offender
In a recent article by Entertainment Weekly, Trump has an impressive 25 out of 38 examples of unauthorized use of music during political campaign events. This is the second time the White Stripes stood against the Trump Campaign using the “Seven Nation Army” without permission. According to a Billboard report, the White Strips were “disgusted by this association.” When White heard of the song’s use in 2024, he vowed to see the campaign and its deputy director of communications, Margo Martin, in court. Turns out, he is a man of his word. Lawyers from the White Strips had paperwork filed in less than two weeks.
In a Sept. 9 article by Billboard, artists who have objected to the Trump Campaign using their music include the following: Adele, 2016; Beyoncé, 2024; Brendon Urie, 2020; Celine Dion, 2024; Earth, Wind & Fire, 2016; Foo Fighters, 2024; George Harrison (estate) 2016; Guns N’ Roses, 2020; Isaac Hayes (estate) 2024; White Stripes, 2016, 2024; Linkin Park, 2020; Neil Young, 2016, 2024; Nickelback, 2020; Ozzy Osbourne, 2020; Pharrell, 2020; Prince (estate) 2020; R.E.M., 2016, 2020; Rihanna, 2020; Rolling Stones, 2016, 2020; Tom Petty (estate) 2020; Stephen Tyler (of Aerosmith), 2016, 2020; and Queen, 2016;
He Has Musical Supporters
As the list of musicians against Trump using their music continues to grow, there could be a case made for Martin to seek out music from the former president’s musical supporters. A report by Billboard indicates Trump has a diverse group of artists who support his run for president.
According to the Billboard list, it is continually updated to include any “big names” endorsing Trump in November. Currently, they include the following: Anuel AA & Justin Quiles; Azealia Banks; Billy Ray Cyrus; DaBaby; Jason Aldean; Kanye West; Kid Rock; Kodak Black; Lil Pump; M.I.A; Sexxy Red; and Waka Flocka Flame.
Final Thoughts
Anyone who has tried to obtain musical copyright permission knows that the process can be lengthy. Perhaps this is why the Trump Campaign has become known for skipping over the process and dealing with the ramifications afterwards. Although he is not the first politician to use songs without permission, Trump has a growing list of musicians who do not want him to use their music. He also has a diverse group of musicians who support his bid. Perhaps his campaign can look to those artists to quickly establish legal agreements to use their songs legally. The intellectual property of artists needs to remain protected and respected.
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