Rock Bands Takes Legal Action Against Trump?
The Foo Fighters, a renowned alternative rock band, are taking legal action against former President Donald Trump’s campaign over the unauthorized use of their hit song, “My Hero.” The band’s music was played during an Arizona rally as Trump’s campaign introduced Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who had recently endorsed Trump.
According to a spokesperson for the Foo Fighters, the band never granted permission for their song to be used and would have refused any such request. The spokesperson also mentioned that the band is taking “appropriate actions” in response to this unauthorized use, and any royalties gained from this incident will be redirected to the Harris/Walz campaign.
The Foo Fighters have made their stance clear on social media, emphasizing that they did not authorize the Trump campaign’s use of their song. Despite reaching out for comment, the Trump campaign did not respond to inquiries from the Washington Examiner. However, Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications director, dismissed the controversy, asserting to Newsweek that the campaign had secured the proper licensing to play the song and accused the Foo Fighters of “faux outrage.”
The Trump campaign has faced similar issues with other music artists recently. For instance, a video posted by Cheung featuring Trump and Beyoncé’s “Freedom” was removed after the Harris campaign issued a cease-and-desist notice. Additionally, on August 11, the Isaac Hayes estate notified the Trump campaign of copyright infringement, claiming the campaign used Hayes’s song “Hold On, I’m Coming” at various rallies without authorization.
This isn’t the first time the Foo Fighters have been involved in such disputes. During the 2008 presidential campaign, they criticized former Senator John McCain for using their song without permission. McCain’s campaign had argued that they were covered under a blanket license, which the band contested.
“My Hero” is one of the Foo Fighters’ most popular tracks, having reached number six on the Billboard Alternative Songs chart. Kennedy’s endorsement of Trump could potentially benefit the Trump campaign, as Kennedy has pledged to withdraw from several swing states to bolster Trump’s support, with some of Kennedy’s supporters already expressing their intention to vote for Trump.
