Several artists and bands have asked Trump to stop using their music, and some have even threatened legal action.
The U.S. presidential election continues, but not without its controversies. Over the course of the campaign trail, presidential candidates Kamala Harris (D) and Donald Trump (R) have been making stops all over the country, soundtracking their visits with music by artists of various generations.
While some needle drops may have sparked some viral clips and symbolic moments, others prompted cease-and-desist orders and lawsuits.
Over the next few months, voters look forward to hearing what music the candidates use for their campaigns — however, it appears Trump’s playlist may be a bit limited.
Since Trump’s 2016 campaign, many artists and bands have vocalized their opposition to the Republican candidate using their music. Find every artist who has denounced Trump using their music in his presidential campaign below.ABBA
At an August 2024 rally in Minnesota, Trump used several songs by Swedish pop icons ABBA in video montages, including «Money, Money, Money», «The Winner Takes It All», and «Dancing Queen.» Once ABBA learned of this, the group and its parent label, Universal Music, issued a statement requesting that videos from the rally be taken down immediately, and that Trump stop using the group’s music for his campaign.Adele
Back in 2016, Trump used Adele’s hit songs «Rolling in the Deep» and «Skyfall» at rallies. A representative for Adele confirmed to the BBC that Trump did not have permission to use Adele’s music for his campaign. The singer later endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.Aerosmith
Steven Tyler of Aerosmith has twice sent Trump cease and desist letters for using the band’s music. Once in 2015, when Trump used «Dream On», and again in 2018 when he used «Living on the Edge.»A-ha
The «Take on Me» hitmakers aren’t afraid to take on Trump. Back in 2019, Magne Furuholmen of Ah-a expressed discomfort with Trump using the band’s music as part of a «divisive campaign.» Furuholmen would later release a politically-charged song, «This is Now America» in response to the Trump administration.Beyoncé
Back in July 2024, Beyoncé’s team granted permission for Harris to use her 2016 Lemonade cut «Freedom» in her campaign. In August, Republican spokesperson Steven Cheung shared a clip of Trump arriving to Detroit with the same song embedded. Soon after, Beyoncé hit Trump with a cease and desist.Bruce Springsteen
While Springsteen’s «Born in the U.S.A.» is a patriotic fan-favorite, the artist was vocal in his disdain toward Trump using the song in his rallies in 2016. Springsteen did not take legal action, but rather, expressed support for Clinton, and campaigned for her election. This didn’t stop Trump from playing the song at rallies, however, the song would be met with «boo» responses.
In 2020, Springsteen released an anti-Trump single, «That’s What Makes Us Great.»Celine Dion
In August 2024, Trump played Dion’s universal hit «My Heart Will Go On» at a rally in Montana. Dion’s team at Sony Music Entertainment Canada issued a statement, noting that they did not authorize the use of her music, and disavowed any similar use.Creedence Clearwater Revival
After Trump used Creedence Clearwater Revival’s song «Fortunate Son» in his 2020 campaign, the band’s lead vocalist John Fogerty issued a cease and desist order, saying that the overall message of the song doesn’t align with Trump’s campaign.
