Trump campaign draws backlash for brazenly using Kamala Harris' Beyonce anthem 'Freedom' in clip

HOWELL, MICHIGAN: Donald Trump's campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, sparked backlash over a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) showing the GOP presidential candidate landing in Michigan.

The clip featured an interesting choice for background music—Beyonce's song 'Freedom', a track that has become synonymous with Kamala Harris' campaign. 

In his post, Cheung wrote, "Touchdown in Michigan!!" tagging the former president. 

However, the choice of music stirred immediate controversy, with some seeing it as an attempt to troll the vice president's campaign. 'Freedom', a track from Beyonce's critically acclaimed 2016 album 'Lemonade', was officially authorized by the artist for use in Harris’s campaign at the end of July.

Beyonce's 'Freedom' reverberates at the Democratic National Convention

After Beyonce blessed Harris with permission to use 'Freedom', the song quickly became a staple in Harris' presidential bid. It has been featured several times thus far—from her first campaign ad to her dramatic entrance at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, August 19.

As the DNC continues, there are even rumors that Beyonce might make a surprise appearance to perform the song live and officially endorse Harris before her speech on Thursday. On the opening night of the DNC, the Harris campaign unveiled a new ad featuring a cappella version of the song.

The song’s themes are highly relevant, especially in the wake of the social justice movements that gained momentum after the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in 2020. The track features a collaboration between Beyonce and rapper Kendrick Lamar, and its lyrics make pointed references to the history of slavery and police brutality.

Beyonce sings about breaking chains—a metaphor for overcoming oppression—while Lamar raps about being pursued by police and the need to open minds and end oppression, as per The Hill.

Internet blasts Donald Trump's campaign for using Beyonce's 'Freedom'

Donald Trump's campaign's use of 'Freedom' in his Michigan video did not go unnoticed. The social media backlash was swift, with many accusing the former president's campaign of copying Kamala Harris and using a song that was not intended for them.

One wrote, "You must be kidding, using the @Beyonce song of the Kamala campaign!? Stealing everything has consequences," and another said, "I am really confident that Beyonce has only given one campaign permission to use this song, and it's not yours. I assume you'll quickly be hearing from her lawyers." 

"Beyonce needs to sue him he has no rights to use that song go back to Ted Nugent and Kid Rock," wrote a person, with one more saying, "And DCMA take down notice in…. Whispers stop stealing intellectual property that doesn’t belong to you."

"Brilliant campaign you're running there - you've managed in just a couple days to hand both Beyonce *and* Taylor Swift grounds to grind you to dust," fumed an individual. 

Another person pointed out, "I see another cease and desist coming. He’s had dozens in the last few weeks. Nobody wants anything to do with this weirdo." 

Legal challenges and criticism faced by Donald Trump's campaign over unauthorized use of songs

This is barely the first time Donald Trump’s campaign has been slammed for using music without permission. Most recently, they were slapped with a lawsuit over the use of Isaac Hayes' 'Hold on I’m Coming'.

The late R&B star’s estate sued Trump for $3 million, alleging that the song was used without authorization around 100 times by the GOP campaign.

The lawsuit—filed in Georgia federal court—not only targets the former president's campaign but also the Republican National Committee and the conservative group Turning Point USA.

The Hayes family is seeking $150,000 for each unauthorized use of the song. This is in addition to a public disclaimer that the use of Hayes’ music has never been "authorized, endorsed, or permitted" by the estate, either now or in the future.

The former president's song selections have drawn ire from a number of artists over the years. Some prominent names who objected to the use of their tunes by his campaign include Bruce Springsteen, Adele, Celine Dion, Elton John, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, the estate of George Harrison, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Earth, Wind & Fire.

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