Trump Campaign Removes Freedom Video After Beyoncé Blocks Song Usage

Beyoncé has taken a firm stand against Donald Trump, prohibiting him from using her song “Freedom” after it appeared in a Trump campaign video on social media. The track, pivotal to Kamala Harris’s campaign efforts, was featured in a video posted by Trump spokesman Steven Cheung, showcasing Trump descending from a plane with the energetic sound of “Freedom” playing in the background.

Following this unauthorized use, reports from Rolling Stone and Billboard indicate that Beyoncé’s record label and publishing team acted swiftly to block the song’s incorporation in Trump’s video. Subsequently, Cheung’s video was removed from social media platforms.

While Beyoncé has not publicly addressed the issue, there are rumors suggesting she may perform at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Thursday. However, neither her representatives nor those of the Harris campaign have provided any confirmation regarding her participation. DNC chair Jamie Harrison, when questioned about Beyoncé’s potential appearance, responded ambiguously, stating, “Every day, she’s in here singing Freedom – at least we hear it across the intercom.”

“Freedom” has become a significant anthem for the Harris-Walz campaign, even featuring in a recent a cappella rendition within a campaign advertisement for the DNC, which also included a speech by Oscar-nominated actor Jeffrey Wright. Additionally, Harris has utilized the song at various campaign events where supporters have donned cowboy hats and “Cowboy Kamala” sashes, a playful nod to Beyoncé’s forthcoming album, “Cowboy Carter,” set for release in 2024.

Originally part of Beyoncé’s critically acclaimed 2016 album “Lemonade,” “Freedom” features lyrics that resonate more closely with the Democratic agenda than Trump’s messaging. One notable line from the song, “I’ma walk, I’ma march on the regular / Painting white flags blue,” serves as a metaphor not only for her daughter Blue Ivy but also as a potential rallying cry for Democrats.

In a contrasting musical moment at the DNC, Tim Walz concluded his speech to the sounds of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World.” This 1989 hit, known for its sharply ironic commentary on social issues like homelessness and addiction, resonated with the campaign’s themes. Notably, a campaign official confirmed to CNN that Young granted permission for the song’s use, which holds personal significance for Walz.

This musical choice may also serve as a subtle critique of Donald Trump, who frequently played the song at his rallies between 2015 and 2020. Young has openly opposed the use of his music by the former President, previously expressing his disapproval in a public letter in 2020, which stated, “Every time […] one of my songs is played at one of your rallies, I hope you hear my voice. Remember it is the voice of a tax-paying US citizen who does not support you.” Young later filed a lawsuit against Trump citing that he cannot condone the use of his music to promote what he described as “a divisive, un-American campaign of ignorance and hate.” While he subsequently withdrew the lawsuit, the sentiment clearly illustrated his strong objections.

Many other artists have also voiced their concerns regarding Trump’s use of their songs. This month, the estate of the late Isaac Hayes joined the ranks of artists condemning unauthorized usage, filing a lawsuit alleging that Trump engaged in “willful and brazen copyright infringement” by using the Hayes-written Sam and Dave classic “Hold on, I’m Comin’.” Such actions underscore the ongoing tensions between political campaigns and the musicians whose work often provides the soundtrack to these events.