10 Musicians Who Opposed Trump Using Their Songs in 2024
In 2024 the soundtrack of American politics kept producing headlines—because an unusually large number of musicians publicly objected when their songs showed up at Trump events, in campaign videos, or on social media controlled by his team. Some issued cease-and-desist letters, some threatened lawsuits, and a few actually took legal action (or won temporary court orders). Below are 10 high-profile examples from 2024 — what they objected to, and how they responded.
1. The estate of Isaac Hayes
When Trump’s campaign repeatedly used “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” the family and estate of Isaac Hayes filed suit — and a federal judge issued a temporary injunction ordering the campaign to stop using the song while the case proceeded. The ruling was one of the clearest legal blows to unauthorized political use of music in 2024
2. Céline Dion
Céline Dion’s team publicly demanded that the Trump campaign stop using “My Heart Will Go On” after footage of the song appeared at a rally in Montana. Her camp called the use “unauthorized,” and the incident got broad coverage as yet another example of artists objecting to their work being co-opted for a political purpose they don’t support
3. Foo Fighters
When “My Hero” was played at an event tied to the Trump campaign (notably when RFK Jr. appeared at a rally), Foo Fighters made clear the band had not authorized the usage. The group publicly disavowed the appearance of their song in that context and said they did not give permission
4. ABBA
ABBA’s representatives asked the Trump campaign to cease playing several of the band’s hits—“Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money,” and others—after those songs were aired at a rally. The band’s statement emphasized they had not granted permission for political use
5. The White Stripes (Jack White / Meg White)
In 2024 Jack White and Meg White (The White Stripes) launched legal action over the unauthorized use of “Seven Nation Army” in a Trump-linked video. The suit accused campaign staffers of “flagrant misappropriation,” and it signaled musicians’ willingness to move into court to block or punish misuse.
6. Beyoncé (and her team/rights-holders)
Beyoncé’s team threatened legal action in 2024 after at least one attempted use of her music by conservative campaign elements. Reports say the campaign stopped using a Beyoncé track when pressed, illustrating how big artists can force removal by threatening litigation and public rebuke.
7. Queen
Although Queen’s first widely publicized objection dates to 2016, the band’s name remained frequently invoked in 2024 coverage of artists fighting unauthorized use. Queen has repeatedly stated it does not give permission for Trump to use “We Are the Champions,” and their position has been a touchstone in conversations about performance licenses vs. artist approval
