Pop stars, iconic American musicians, British artists, and the estates of late legends have expressed disapproval of Donald Trump using their songs at campaign events, receiving objections from various artists such as Celine Dion after the unauthorized use of her hit “My Heart Will Go On” at a Trump rally in Montana. Artists like Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Phil Collins, and others have also spoken out against their music being used by the Trump campaign.

Celebrity musicians who have supported Trump by allowing the use of their songs include Kid Rock and Lee Greenwood. However, many artists have rebuked the use of their music, like The Smiths’ “Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want” and David Porter, who objected to the use of Sam and Dave’s song at an NRA rally. The son of Isaac Hayes has even threatened legal action against Trump for copyright infringement over the unauthorized use of his father’s song at rallies.

While artists can legally object to their songs being used in political campaigns, they often lack full control over their music once performing rights organizations like ASCAP and BMI grant licenses to political campaigns for a vast catalog of songs. Despite artists’ objections, campaigns are not always prompt in honoring their requests, raising issues around the unauthorized use of music for political purposes.

Various artists have taken actions to stop politicians from using their songs, such as sending cease-and-desist letters, like Pharrell Williams did when his song “Happy” was played at a Trump rally. Some artists, like John Fogerty and Neil Young, have even pursued legal action to prevent the unauthorized use of their music in political campaigns.