Beyoncé Sends Trump Campaign Cease-and-Desist Letter Over ‘Freedom’ Video

Beyoncé has reportedly warned the Trump campaign to stop using her song “Freedom” without permission.

On Tuesday, Donald Trump’s campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung shared a 13-second video on social media. The video features Trump deplaning in Michigan, pumping his fists, with Beyoncé’s 2016 song playing in the background.

A source close to Beyoncé informed Rolling Stone that the former president did not obtain permission to use the track from her Lemonade album.

The Independent has reached out to Beyoncé’s representative for additional comments.

As of Wednesday, the video is still available on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Vice President Kamala Harris recently adopted “Freedom” as her unofficial campaign anthem. She received permission from Beyoncé to use the song for her campaign until the November election, CNN reported.

Trump’s use of the song has angered many of Beyoncé’s 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,” tweeted one user.

Trump has faced similar legal troubles before. He was recently slapped with a multi-million-dollar lawsuit by the estate of late singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes. The lawsuit alleges unauthorized use of the song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at Republican rallies and in campaign videos.

Lawyers for the Hayes family claim Trump owes the estate $150,000 for each unauthorized use, amounting to over 100 alleged instances.

Earlier this month, Trump and his running mate, Ohio Senator JD Vance, were also condemned by Celine Dion for playing her song “My Heart Will Go On” at a Montana rally. The song is from the Titanic soundtrack and is another example of unauthorized use.

Dion’s management team and record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., publicly criticized the campaign for using her song and likeness without permission. They emphasized that Dion does not endorse such usage.

The statement humorously noted the irony of using a song from a movie about a sinking ship: “… And really, THAT song?”

Back in 2016, Trump frequently played Adele’s hit “Rolling in the Deep” at campaign events. The 16-time Grammy winner promptly informed Trump that he did not have permission to use her song.