Beyoncé Threatens Cease-and-Desist After Trump Campaign Uses Her Song ‘Freedom’ on Social Media: Report

The song choice instantly caught attention online, as Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has used it at several campaign events

Beyoncé, Donald Trump. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty; Grant Baldwin/Getty

The Trump campaign has gotten Beyoncé’s attention for all the wrong reasons.

Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for Donald Trump, shared a video on his own X account of the former president walking off a plane on Tuesday, Aug. 20, set to the track “Freedom” off Beyoncé’s 2016 album Lemonade. “Touchdown in Michigan!! @realDonaldTrump,” the caption read.

The use of the song, which also features Kendrick Lamar, instantly caught attention online, as Democratic nominee Kamala Harris has used it at several campaign events.

Beyoncé at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on April 1, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty

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While Beyoncé, 42, has not commented on the video, Rolling Stone reported on Wednesday, Aug. 21, that the Trump campaign did not have permission to use the track and that the singer has threatened to send the Republican presidential nominee’s camp a cease-and-desist. PEOPLE has reached out to a representative for Beyoncé for comment.

The Harris campaign most recently used the track in a new ad unveiled on Monday, Aug. 19, during the first day of the Democratic National Convention.

Although Beyoncé has not officially endorsed Harris, she’s voiced her support for the Democratic party on various occasions, including in 2013, when she sang the national anthem at former President Barack Obama’s inauguration. In 2020, she posted a social media clip encouraging voters for current President Joe Biden.

Kamala Harris speaks during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, US, on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024.Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg/Getty

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However, Harris has officially been endorsed by Beyoncé’s mother, Tina Knowles.

The fashion designer, 70, posted a photo next to Harris in late July on Instagram, writing, “New, Youthful, Sharp , , energy !!!! You asked for it and our President Biden did what was best for the country ! Putting personal Ego , power and fame aside . That is the definition of a great leader, . Thank you, President Biden for your service and your leadership . Go Vice President Kamala Harris for President. Let’s Go ❤️❤️❤️❤️ #kamala2024.”

Earlier this month, the Trump campaign was called out by Céline Dion for using her 1997 hit song “My Heart Will Go On” at a campaign rally in Montana.

Former President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference at Mr. Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate on August 08, 2024,.Joe Raedle/Getty

“Today, Celine Dion’s management team and her record label, Sony Music Entertainment Canada Inc., became aware of the unauthorized usage of the video, recording, musical performance, and likeness of Celine Dion singing “My Heart Will Go On” at a Donald Trump / JD Vance campaign rally in Montana,” a statement shared on the performer’s social media accounts read.

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“In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use. …And really, THAT song?” the statement continued, referencing its original use in the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic.