Beyoncé has reportedly threatened to send a cease-and-desist letter to the Trump campaign over the unauthorized use of her song “Freedom.” On Tuesday (August 20), Donald Trump ’s campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung posted a 13-second video on social media of the Republican nominee deplaning in Michigan. The clip, which sees Trump giving a two-handed fist pump as he walks the tarmac, is overlayed by the singer’s 2016 song.
A source close to Beyoncé told Rolling Stone that the former president did not receive permission to use the track from her hit Lemonade album. The Independent has contacted Beyoncé’s representative for further comment. As of Wednesday, the video remains on X (formerly Twitter).
Vice President Kamala Harris adopted “Freedom” as her unofficial campaign anthem last month after she stepped up to lead the Democratic party’s ticket. Beyoncé gave Harris permission to use the song through to the November election, CNN reported. The Trump campaign’s recent use of the song has faced backlash from several Beyoncé fans.
“Freedom is a song written about slavery and police brutality against POC. How disgusting and despicable for any of you to use it to support that convicted felon,” one person tweeted. Trump was recently hit with a multi-million dollar lawsuit by the estate of the late singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes over the alleged unauthorized use of the song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at Republican rallies and in campaign videos.
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