Beyoncé Threatens Cease-and-Desist After Trump Campaign Uses Her Song 'Freedom' on Social Media: Report

Trump’s campaign caught Beyoncé’s attention for the wrong reasons.

Steven Cheung, spokesman for Donald Trump, he shared the video on his X account of the former president exiting a plane on Tuesday, Aug. 20, to “Freedom,” from Beyoncé’s 2016 album. Lemonade. “Touchdown in Michigan!! @realDonaldTrump“, read the title.

The use of the song, which also features Kendrick Lamar, immediately drew attention online, as Democratic candidate Kamala Harris used it at several campaign events.

Beyoncé at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards held at the Dolby Theater on April 1, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.

Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty

Kamala Harris Debuts Beyoncé’s New Song, ‘Freedom’ In First 2024 Campaign Ad: ‘A Winner Don’t Quit’

Although Beyoncé (42) did not comment on the video, Rolling Stone reported on Wednesday, August 21, that the Trump campaign did not have permission to use the song and that the singer had threatened to send the Republican presidential candidate’s campaign a cease and desist. PEOPLE has reached out to a rep for Beyoncé for comment.

The Harris campaign recently used the song in a new ad unveiled Monday, Aug. 19, during the first day of the Democratic National Convention.

Although Beyoncé has not officially endorsed Harris, she has expressed support for the Democratic Party on various occasions, including in 2013, when she sang the national anthem at former President Barack Obama’s inauguration. In 2020, she posted a clip on social media encouraging voters for incumbent Joe Biden.

Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, USA, Monday, August 19, 2024.

Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg/Getty

Many, many musicians who have told politicians to stop using their songs

However, Harris was officially supported by Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles.

The fashion designer, 70, posted a photo next to Harris in late July on Instagram, writing: “New, youthful, sharp, , energetic !!!! You asked for it and our President Biden did what was best for the country! Putting Personal Ego , power and glory aside. That’s the definition of a great leader, . Thank you, President Biden, for being the president ❤️❤️

Earlier this month, Céline Dion called out the Trump campaign for using her 1997 hit song “My Heart Will Go On” at a campaign rally in Montana.

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate on August 8, 2024.

Joe Raedle/Getty

“Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized use of the video, recording, musical performance and likeness of Celine Dion singing “My Heart Will Go On” at Donald Trump and JD Vance’s campaign rally. in Montana,” reads a statement posted on the artist’s social media accounts.

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“This use is not authorized in any way, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use. …And really, THAT song?” the statement continues, referencing its original use in the 1997 hit movie Titanic.

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Source: HIS Education