The latest in an ever-expanding list of musician’s who’ve pushed back against the US president, Leonard Cohen‘s estate has slammed Donald Trump for using the late star’s song ‘Hallelujah’ at a rally without consent.
Marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, on Tuesday (6.23,) the iconic singer/songwriter’s staple was used during a B-2 Bomber fly-over at the Great American State Fair.
In response to the unauthorized use of his material, Cohen’s estate took to social media with:
“The Leonard Cohen Estate has learned that the song Hallelujah is to be performed at a Donald Trump rally on June 24.” “This use is not authorized, and the Estate does not support or approve of this or any similar usage.” “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
In addition to the original version, in 2024, Rufus Wainwright’s cover of ‘Hallelujah’ was used at a rally without permission. At the time the artist said “The song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen has become an anthem dedicated to peace, love and acceptance of the truth.” “I’ve been supremely honored over the years to be connected with this ode to tolerance. Witnessing Trump and his supporters commune with this music last night was the height of blasphemy.”
Not the first two artists to take the president to task, countless others have had their music used by Trump’s administration without authorization.
Ariana Grande recently slammed the president after her song ‘Bye’ was used as the soundtrack to a TikTok video promoting US immigration arrests. Posted earlier this month, the clip showed ICE agents detaining and handcuffing people while Ariana’s track played underneath.
“Bye-bye. President Trump has delivered the most secure border in history,” read Grande’s caption along with “Please do not ever use my music in relation to this barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense. F*** ICE.”
Though it no longer appears publicly, the superstar singer’s team later confirmed to Variety that the comment was genuine, The TikTok’s audio was also muted, with the platform now displaying: “This sound isn’t available.”
Defending the video, a White House spokesperson said “What’s actually barbaric, inhumane, and heinous are the criminal illegal aliens who have injured and murdered innocent American citizens.”
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Author: Al Dente
Photo: Rama