Beyoncé Threatens Legal Action Against Trump Campaign Over Song Use

Beyoncé has taken action to prevent Donald Trump from using her song "Freedom" in a campaign video, which was shared on social media by Trump’s campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung. The song, a key part of Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign, was used without permission, prompting Beyoncé's record label to intervene and have the video removed. While Beyoncé has not publicly commented on the incident, she is rumored to be performing at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) soon, where "Freedom" is prominently featured. The song "Freedom," from Beyoncé's 2016 album "Lemonade," has become an unofficial anthem for social justice movements and aligns closely with Harris's campaign messaging. The Harris-Walz team has embraced the song, even releasing a new a cappella version in a campaign ad. In contrast, the lyrics of "Freedom" do not resonate with Trump's campaign themes, highlighting a clear divide between the two political figures. This incident is part of a broader trend where artists are increasingly vocal about unauthorized uses of their music in political contexts. Celine Dion's management recently condemned Trump's use of her song "My Heart Will Go On," while the estate of Isaac Hayes is pursuing legal action over the unauthorized use of his music. These actions reflect a growing resistance among artists against their work being co-opted for political purposes they do not support. Beyoncé has reportedly threatened to send a cease-and-desist letter to Trump's campaign, emphasizing her support for Harris over Trump. This situation underscores the ongoing tensions between artists and political campaigns, as musicians assert their rights to control how their music is used in the political arena.