Trump’s Soundtrack: Why Artists Can’t Always Stop Him from Playing Their Music

Former President Donald Trump’s use of popular music at rallies has sparked controversy, as many artists object to their work being associated with his politics. While some have publicly denounced Trump’s use of their music, others have sought legal action to stop him. However, the Trump campaign often relies on blanket licenses, which grant permission to play any song under the license, regardless of individual artist consent. This leaves many artists frustrated, as they have little control over how their music is used. Numerous artists, including ABBA, Elton John, Adele, Aerosmith, Sinead O’Connor, Foo Fighters, and The White Stripes, have voiced their opposition to Trump’s use of their music. While some, like Elton John, objected on the grounds of political neutrality, others, like Adele, directly opposed Trump’s policies. However, despite these objections, the Trump campaign has continued to play music at rallies, citing their blanket licensing agreements.