Prince and Beyonce perform a medley of his hits at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards. Source: L. Cohen / Getty
Throughout his presidential campaigns, Donald Trump has faced backlash from a variety of artists who objected to their music being used at his rallies and events. Some have openly expressed that they have had no desire to be associated with the controversial political figure flat out. For many of these artists, the issue wasn’t just about politics—it was about ensuring their music or brand wasn’t connected with the Republican’s divisive policies, values, or rhetoric.
Among the artists who have taken a stand are several influential Black musicians, whose music and messages have shaped American culture for decades. Here are 10 Black artists who firmly expressed opposition to Donald Trump and his political agenda.
1. Beyoncé
Source: @tiffanyandco / Instagram
Former President Donald Trump attempted to use Beyoncé’s music for his campaign but quickly found himself on the receiving end of a cease-and-desist. As previously reported, the 32-time Grammy Award-winning artist issued the legal notice after Trump’s campaign posted a video on Aug. 20, 2024, that featured her hit song “Freedom.”
The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Trump’s spokesperson Steven Cheung, showed the former president de-boarding a plane in Michigan. At one point, Trump, who was convicted in his New York hush money trial in May, raised his fists in celebration as photographers snapped his picture. Sources revealed that Trump and his team did not seek permission from Beyoncé or her representatives, prompting the cease and desist. Following the news of the letter, the video was promptly removed from social media.
Interestingly, Vice President Kamala Harris had previously received authorization from Beyoncé and her label to use “Freedom” at her presidential campaign rallies.
