In the latest clash between music and politics, Beyoncé has reportedly threatened legal action against Donald Trump’s campaign for the unauthorized use of her powerful anthem, “Freedom.” The song, which has been closely associated with Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, became the center of controversy when Trump’s campaign used it in a social media video. The video, showing Trump deboarding his plane with “Freedom” blaring in the background, has since been removed after Beyoncé’s team intervened.
Beyoncé, known for her meticulous control over her music and its message, was quick to respond to this unauthorized use. A source close to the singer stated that she did not give permission for her song to be used by Trump, and she is considering sending a cease-and-desist letter. “Trump did not have permission to use the track,” the source emphasized. This move is a clear statement from the artist, who has long been an advocate for social justice and equality—messages deeply embedded in the lyrics of “Freedom.”
The song “Freedom,” which first appeared on Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed 2016 album “Lemonade,” has become a rallying cry for those fighting against racial injustice. Its use in Harris’ campaign was symbolic, aligning with her message of empowerment and resistance. Harris’ campaign has featured the song at various events, and it even played as she walked out to greet supporters at the Democratic National Convention. The choice to use “Freedom” was approved by Beyoncé, reflecting her support for Harris’ campaign. In contrast, the use of the song by Trump’s campaign was met with swift backlash, given its strong association with the Black Lives Matter movement and its themes of liberation and resistance.
This isn’t the first time Trump has faced opposition from musicians over the unauthorized use of their work. Over the years, several artists have taken legal action or publicly denounced Trump’s use of their songs at his rallies. Most recently, the estate of soul legend Isaac Hayes filed a lawsuit against the former president for using “Hold On, I’m Coming” without permission. Trump’s repeated disregard for artists’ rights has sparked a pattern of legal battles that show no signs of slowing down.
In this instance, Trump’s campaign appears to have been attempting to troll Harris by co-opting her campaign anthem. However, the move backfired, leading to yet another legal confrontation. The video featuring “Freedom” was posted by Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, who seemingly ignored the potential for copyright infringement. The video remained online for several hours before being taken down after concerns were raised about the unauthorized use of the song.
The removal of the video, however, may not be the end of the story. Beyoncé’s team is reportedly prepared to take further legal action if necessary. “The song is about slavery and police brutality, so it’s especially inappropriate for Trump’s campaign to use it,” commented another source close to the situation. This sentiment reflects the broader discontent among Beyoncé’s fanbase, known as the BeyHive, who have been vocal in their opposition to the song’s misuse.
The Trump campaign’s use of “Freedom” is particularly controversial given the song’s powerful message and its role in Harris’ campaign. The anthem has been seen as a beacon of hope and resistance, making its unauthorized use by Trump’s campaign an ironic and provocative act. Beyoncé’s swift response underscores her commitment to protecting her work and ensuring it is used in contexts that align with its intended message.
