2024-08-22 09:02:58
Donald Trump’s campaign used Beyoncé’s hit Freedom without her permission, the unofficial anthem of Kamala Harris’s campaign.
No Freedom for Donald Trump. Beyoncé has threatened the Republican candidate with a cease-and-desist order, reports the American media Rolling Stone this Wednesday, August 21. The issue: the unauthorized use of the song Freedom – the unofficial anthem of Kamala Harris’s campaign – in a video posted on social media.
As the specialized magazine reports, Donald Trump’s team never obtained the singer’s permission to use the piece from the album Lemonade in a 13-second video of the former President of the United States.
In this short clip, shared by one of his spokespeople, Steven Cheung, Donald Trump is seen exiting an airplane. The politician removed the video from his social media accounts a few hours after the publication of the Rolling Stone article.
The anthem of Kamala’s campaign
Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for the American presidential election, unveiled a campaign clip set to the song Freedom on August 29. Kamala Harris has been using the song – with Beyoncé’s approval – since the beginning of her campaign in early summer.
This choice is not insignificant: this song, released in 2016, a collaboration between Beyoncé and rapper Kendrick Lamar, is a political anthem dedicated to Black women for their struggle for freedom and justice.
Many artists have denounced the illegal use of their music by Donald Trump during his rallies and in his campaign videos. Woodkid, Céline Dion, as well as Aerosmith, Adele, and Elton John have refused to allow their music to be used by the former president.
The Intersection of Music and Politics: Future Trends to Watch
The recent incident involving Donald Trump’s unauthorized use of Beyoncé’s song Freedom highlights a growing tension between political campaigns and the rights of artists. As public figures increasingly utilize music to galvanize support, the repercussions of copyright infringements are likely to intensify.
First and foremost, we can anticipate a surge in artists asserting their rights more vocally, especially in today’s digital landscape where content is easily shared and disseminated. The threat of legal action, as demonstrated by Beyoncé’s response, may become a common strategy employed by musicians to protect their intellectual property. This could lead to a more stringent approach to copyright agreements in political settings.
Moreover, the use of politically charged anthems in campaigns will likely continue to rise. With songs like Freedom resonating deeply with certain demographics, candidates seeking to connect with voters might increasingly focus on music with social justice themes. This trend underscores the critical role that soundtracks play in shaping political narratives and galvanizing movements.
Additionally, collaborations between artists and political campaigns may become more formalized. We might see established protocols for musicians to license their songs specifically for campaign use, which would foster goodwill and collaboration rather than confrontation. As the boundaries blur between artistry and politics, preparing legal frameworks and partnerships may be essential in the evolving landscape.
Social media will continue to be a battleground where these dynamics play out. As shown by Trump’s swift deletion of the offending clip, the rapid nature of social media platforms can escalate conflicts and compel immediate actions. This could lead to a trend where artists and politicians alike invest more in monitoring how their content is used online to prevent backlash.
Finally, as the public grows more aware of these issues, voter engagement through music may take on new forms. Events may feature live music performances by artists supporting specific candidates, bridging the gap between campaigning and entertainment in novel ways. The fusion of political activism and musical expression will continue to shape the cultural landscape as a powerful tool for mobilization and awareness.