Donald Trump spokesperson Steven Cheung appeared to take a shot on the Republican’s Democratic rival within the 2024 election, Vice President Kamala Harris, by utilizing her marketing campaign tune, Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” in a social media submit.
On Tuesday, Cheung shared a video on X (previously Twitter) exhibiting Trump strolling off his aircraft in Michigan for a marketing campaign occasion, with “Freedom” enjoying within the background. As Trump handed a Secret Service van, he raised his fists within the air. Cheung captioned the submit, “Landing in Michigan!!! @realDonaldTrump.”
https://twitter.com/TheStevenCheung/standing/1825948172495237263
It’s unclear whether or not the tune was really performed on the scene or if the audio was added later by Cheung. Regardless of considerations raised within the feedback about potential copyright infringement, the video remained on-line till Tuesday night time when The Hollywood Reporter observed the submit had been removed from the platform.
Earlier on Wednesday, Rolling Stone had reported that Beyoncé’s staff threatened to ship a cease-and-desist to the Trump marketing campaign over using the tune, which they reportedly didn’t obtain permission for.
When reached out to for touch upon the video by The Hill, Cheung responded, “Freedom, freedom!”
Neither Cheung nor Beyoncé’s representatives have responded to The Hollywood Reporter‘s requests for remark.
In July, Harris obtained fast approval from Beyoncé’s staff to make use of “Freedom” from her 2016 album Lemonade as a part of her presidential marketing campaign. The tune was featured in Harris’ marketing campaign launch video and an ad along with her operating mate, Tim Walz. Within the advert, Jeffrey Wright narrates, “What sort of America do we wish? One the place we’re divided, offended, depressed? C’mon! We’re People! Fascism? We conquered it. The moon? Landed on it. The long run? Constructing it. Freedom? No person loves it extra. And we combat for it.”
Trump, alternatively, has confronted authorized bother for utilizing songs in his marketing campaign with out permission. Final week, Isaac Hayes’ property sued him for 134 counts of copyright infringement after Trump Sam & Dave’s “Maintain on, I’m Coming” at a rally, which was written by the late musician. Moreover, after Trump used Celine Dion’s “My Coronary heart Will Go On” at a rally in Montana, Dion’s staff condemned the unauthorized utilization and questioned the tune alternative, writing, “… And actually, that tune?”
Jackie Strause contributed to this story.
This story initially posted at 10:44 a.m. and was first up to date at 1:54 p.m. so as to add the report of Beyoncé’s staff threatening to ship a cease-and-desist.