Former President Donald Trump recently turned a town hall Q&A session into a music-listening session, swaying to his favorite songs for over 30 minutes. Among the tunes played was Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” covered by Rufus Wainwright. Wainwright and Cohen’s estate have taken issue with Trump’s use of the song, with Wainwright calling it blasphemy. Cohen’s estate sent a cease and desist letter to the Trump campaign, highlighting the song’s message of peace and love.
This incident adds to a string of clashes between musicians and the Trump campaign over the unauthorized use of songs at political events. Artists like Celine Dion and the Foo Fighters have also objected to their music being played without permission. Wainwright expressed hope that Trump might reflect on the song’s message of remorse and acceptance.
The town hall event where the song was played also featured recordings of other songs by artists like Elvis Presley and Sinead O’Connor. Musicians like Isaac Hayes and The White Stripes have taken legal actions against Trump for using their songs without authorization.
The incident underscores the ongoing tension between artists and political campaigns over the use of music during events. Wainwright’s vocal objection to Trump’s use of “Hallelujah” highlights the importance of respecting artists’ works and messages, especially in a political context.
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