Donald Trump’s first year back in office is coming to an end, but several musicians are still unhappy with his use of their music along the way.
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While the twice-impeached US president has long angered artists for using their songs in campaign materials without permission, 2025 has been particularly marked by the unanimous backlash his administration has faced from musicians and fans alike. After receiving several complaints about unauthorized use of music during his 2024 White House campaign, Trump has continued a trend since taking office in January of incorporating popular songs about his policies in social media posts – from a controversial immigration crackdown to crackdowns on suspected drug ships in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Other posts simply celebrate Trump and his leadership, such as the White House’s November 2025 TikTok featuring Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia.” (No, Swift isn’t happy about it.”
However, while many artists seem to have accepted that Trump will do whatever he wants with their music no matter what, there are some who have made it clear that they disagree with how Trump is approaching the job in 2025. These range from Gen Z pop queens, who have spent their careers flourishing supporting liberal politicians and ideas, to traditional rock acts who have been in the industry for decades, even longer than the political careers of billionaire former reality stars.
Below, take a look at the artists accusing the Trump administration of using their music in 2025.
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blue oyster cult
After Trump posted an AI video of him and Vice President J.D. Vance rocking out to Blue Oyster Cult’s “Don’t Fear the Reaper” while mocking Democrats, the band members immediately posted a response distancing themselves from the usage.
“Let us clarify a few things: BLUE ÖYSTER CULT was not contacted or notified in advance,” the organization wrote in a statement. “BLUE ÖYSTER CULT HAS NO LEGAL RIGHTS TO AUTHORIZE OR REFUSE USE, SUCH RIGHTS ARE 100% CONTROLLED BY SONY MUSIC.”
Kenny Loggins
Kenny Loggins was upset after Trump shared a crude AI video set to “Danger Zone,” depicting the president flying a plane over protesters and dumping feces on them.
“I demand that my recording of this video be removed immediately,” Loggins said in a statement. “I can’t imagine why anyone would want their music used or associated with something that was created purely to divide us. Too many people are trying to divide us, and we need to find new ways to come together.”
olivia rodrigo
Olivia Rodrigo hit back at the White House by pairing a video of ICE agents forcibly handling, detaining and deporting people to her song “All-American Bitch.”
“Never use my songs to promote your racist, hateful propaganda,” she commented on the video.
Sabrina Carpenter
“This video is evil and disgusting,” Sabrina Carpenter wrote on X after the White House used her song “Juno” in a video praising ICE. “Never allow me or my music to be part of your inhumane agenda.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson responded: newsweek“Here’s a short and sweet message to Sabrina Carpenter: We will not apologize for removing dangerous criminal murderers, rapists, and pedophiles from our country. Anyone who defends these sick monsters must be stupid, or slow to act?”
Shenzhen Aviation Association
SZA talks about the no-win situation the White House put the artist in for unauthorized use of the song after using her song “Big Boy” in a post denouncing “criminal illegal aliens.” If musicians don’t respond to this usage, they risk people linking them to the Trump administration’s policies — but if they do respond, they end up getting more attention for the posts they condemn.
“The White House fanning the flames of artist anger for free publicity is the darkest of all,” she wrote on X, calling the tactic “evil” and “boring.”
In response, Abigail Jackson told type“, “SZA, thank you for bringing more attention to the tremendous work that U.S. ICE officers do by apprehending dangerous criminal illegal aliens from American communities. “
villager
While Villagers have been contentious over Trump’s fondness for the YMCA, the president appeared to clash with the band when he shared an artificial intelligence video that falsely showed Barack Obama being arrested.
“We will attempt to locate the original person or entity who posted the offensive video of President Barack Obama and remove such video as it is not endorsed by Villagers or any copyright holder,” the group said in a statement.
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