Trump Team Responds To Music Claim
The ongoing feud between the Trump campaign and the Foo Fighters is heating up, and it’s making quite a splash in the world of politics and music. The band is up in arms after their hit song “My Hero” was played during a Trump rally in Glendale, Arizona, last Friday, but the Trump campaign isn’t backing down.
Here’s what’s going on: The Foo Fighters claim they never gave permission for “My Hero” to be used at the rally where former President Donald Trump was joined on stage by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently endorsed Trump.
The band’s spokesperson told Billboard that if they had been asked, they would have flat-out refused permission. They also mentioned that “appropriate actions are being taken” against the Trump campaign for using their music without consent.
But the Trump campaign is pushing back. Campaign spokesman Steven Cheung took to social media, specifically X (formerly Twitter), to troll the band using lyrics from another Foo Fighters song, “Times Like These.” Cheung’s post was a not-so-subtle jab at the band’s disapproval, showcasing the campaign’s refusal to be cowed by the band’s public stance.
It’s Times Like These facts matter, don’t be a Pretender. @foofighters https://t.co/yutdFMKH2X pic.twitter.com/l6d6BSnDw2
— Steven Cheung (@TheStevenCheung) August 25, 2024
The Trump campaign insists that they’ve done nothing wrong, claiming that “My Hero” was properly licensed through BMI’s Songview service, which allows for the legal use of the song at events like rallies.
This licensing claim is a common defense in these disputes, as BMI’s blanket licenses cover a wide range of public performances, including political events.
In response, the Foo Fighters are doubling down. They’ve announced that any royalties earned from the use of their song at the rally will be donated to Kamala Harris’s campaign, adding another layer of political intrigue to the situation. This move aligns the band directly against Trump, and it’s sure to resonate with their fanbase.
The Foo Fighters aren’t alone in this battle. They’re joining a growing list of artists who’ve publicly condemned the use of their music at Trump events. Beyoncé, for instance, reportedly threatened legal action after her song “Freedom” was used in a Trump campaign video.
Neil Young and the family of the late Isaac Hayes have also pushed back against Trump’s use of their music, highlighting a recurring issue where artists’ works are used in political contexts they don’t support.