Celine Dion Clearly States Her Position on Donald Trump

Donald Trump’s latest attempt to transition from former to current president has met with a strong rebuke from a musical icon. During his rally speech in Montana on August 9, his team chose to display a video of Celine Dion performing her renowned song from “Titanic.” The video, shared widely on X (formerly known as Twitter), sparked controversy. The very next day, Dion’s PR team posted a terse message on X to clarify her political stance, and it was far from supportive.

“Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing ‘My Heart Will Go On’ at a Donald Trump / JD Vance campaign rally in Montana,” they announced. “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use.” The message concluded on a sarcastic note: “… And really, THAT song?”

Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing “My Heart Will Go On” at a Donald Trump / JD Vance campaign… pic.twitter.com/28CYLFvgER

— Celine Dion (@celinedion) August 10, 2024

The post quickly garnered widespread attention and reactions. Many found it odd, even inappropriate, to use a song linked to a film about a catastrophic maritime disaster. Pop culture analyst Mike Sington questioned if Trump’s campaign might be “trolled from within,” hinting that many view the Titanic as a metaphor for Trump’s failing campaign. One social media user chimed in, “At some point, a string quartet will begin playing ‘Nearer My God To Thee’ at Trump rallies.” Another voice in the chorus noted the inappropriate energy: “Such an energetic fun song for a rally! Who died??”

Donald Trump and music have had a contentious relationship in the political arena. Trump previously attempted to organize a Kanye West concert at the White House, only to be advised against it by his team. Although Trump has his share of supporters within the music community, including Kid Rock, many renowned musicians have expressly warned him against using their music at his events.

The list of artists who have taken issue with Trump using their music is long and illustrious, featuring the likes of The Beatles, Guns N’ Roses, Rihanna, Pharrell, the Rolling Stones, R.E.M., and Prince. Notably, John Fogerty and Bruce Springsteen accused Trump of manipulating their protest songs for his purposes. Fogerty’s “Fortunate Son” is a critique of the privileged, while Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” is far from a patriotic anthem.

This incident was not the first time Celine Dion snubbed the controversial figure. She allegedly declined an invitation to perform at Trump’s inauguration ceremony in 2017. Nor was it the only recent example of unauthorized music usage at Trump’s rally in Montana. Isaac Hayes III, son of the R&B legend, issued a cease-and-desist notice over the use of his father’s song “Hold On I’m Coming” at the same event. Calling Trump an epitome of “the worst in integrity and class,” Hayes hinted at potential legal action. A fan expressed sympathy, saying, “I’m so sorry you & your family have to deal with this & hope they stop immediately. I hate that so many of us see Trump when we hear your father’s song now.”