Leonard Cohen's estate rebukes Trump over unauthorized use of ‘Hallelujah’ at Freedom 250 rally

WASHINGTON, DC: Leonard Cohen’s estate has publicly objected to the use of the late singer-songwriter’s iconic song ‘Hallelujah’ at President Donald Trump’s America 250 celebrations, saying it neither authorized nor supported the performance.

The statement came ahead of the Freedom 250 rally in Washington after Trump announced weeks earlier that opera singer Christopher Macchio would perform the 1984 classic at the opening of the Great American State Fair.

Although the estate made its position clear before the event, the song was still performed on Wednesday, June 24, as part of the celebration.

Leonard Cohen’s estate says it 'does not support or approve of' Trump's use of 'Hallelujah'

In a statement shared on Facebook, Leonard Cohen’s estate said it had only recently learned that ‘Hallelujah’ was scheduled to be performed during Trump’s event.

"The Leonard Cohen Estate has learned that the song 'Hallelujah' is to be performed at a Donald Trump rally on June 24," the statement read. "This use is not authorized, and the Estate does not support or approve of this or any similar usage. Thank you for your attention to this matter."

The White House did not immediately respond after being asked about the estate's statement.

Despite the objection, Macchio went ahead with his performance of ‘Hallelujah’ on Wednesday. Shortly afterward, a B-2 bomber carried out a flyover as part of the America 250 festivities.

Several artists distanced themselves from Freedom 250 event

The Freedom 250 celebration also saw several performers withdraw after learning about the political nature of the event.

Martina McBride, The Commodores, Young MC, and Bret Michaels were among the artists who chose not to participate.

Those who ultimately remained on the lineup included Lee Greenwood, Christopher Macchio, Flo Rida, Vanilla Ice, and Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel.

Wilkins later said she accepted the invitation independently, insisting she was invited "on my own accord."

The lineup changes became another talking point surrounding the event as organizers adjusted the program ahead of Trump's appearance.

Trump has faced repeated pushback from artists over his use of their music

The disagreement with Cohen's estate follows a pattern that has played out several times over the years.

In 2020, Tom Petty's family issued a cease-and-desist order after Trump's campaign played ‘I Won't Back Down’ during a rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

"Trump was in no way authorized to use this song to further a campaign that leaves too many Americans and common sense behind," the family said at the time. "Both the late Tom Petty and his family firmly stand against racism and discrimination of any kind. Tom Petty would never want a song of his used for a campaign of hate. He liked to bring people together."

That same year, Neil Young also objected after Trump used ‘Keep On Rockin In The Free World’ during a July 4 event at Mount Rushmore.

More recently, Sabrina Carpenter criticized the administration after one of her songs appeared in an Immigration and Customs Enforcement video.

"This video is evil and disgusting. Do not ever involve me or my music to benefit your inhumane agenda," she wrote.

Earlier this month, Ariana Grande also voiced her objection after one of her songs appeared in a White House TikTok post on immigration.

"Please do not ever use my music⁠ in relation to this barbaric, inhumane, heinous nonsense," Grande wrote.