The former president did not receive permission to use the Lemonade song in 13-second video posted by Trump's team, Rolling Stone has learned.
(Kevin Mazur, Parkwood.)
Beyoncé has threatened to send a cease-and-desist to the Trump campaign after the former president posted a clip of her “Freedom” — Kamala Harris’ unofficial campaign song — in a video posted on social media.
A source familiar with the situation informed Rolling Stone that the Trump campaign did not obtain permission to use Beyoncé's Lemonade track in the 13-second video of Trump getting off a plane in Michigan, which was posted on Tuesday by Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung. Despite a cease-and-desist order from Beyoncé's label, the video remained on Cheung’s X account as of Wednesday.
On Monday, the Harris-Walz campaign debuted a new ad soundtracked by “Freedom,” with actor Jeffrey Wright providing the narration, “What kind of America do we want?” he asks. “One where we’re divided, angry, depressed? C’mon! We’re Americans! Fascism? We conquered it. The moon? Landed on it. The future? Building it. Freedom? Nobody loves it more.”
The Democratic National Convention, held in Chicago, Illinois, concludes tonight. Harris will headline, delivering the keynote address as she accepts her party's historic presidential nomination. You can catch the livestream here tonight:
Harris has also been using “Freedom” — with Beyoncé’s permission — since her presidential campaign began earlier this summer, following Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection. At her first public appearance after securing Biden’s endorsement, Harris walked out to the podium while “Freedom” played. Not long after, the campaign dropped an official launch video featuring the song.
Check out the original ad that launched the campaign below:
Trump has a history of using music at rallies and in videos without securing permission from the artists. Several artists, including Adele, Rihanna, Prince, Pharrell, and the estate of Isaac Hayes, have publicly voiced their disapproval, issued cease-and-desist orders, or taken legal action against Trump for the infringement.
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