Beyoncé’s team has threatened to hit former President Donald J. Trump’s campaign with an official cease-and-desist order over the use of her 2016 Lemonade hit “Freedom,” Rolling Stone reports. On Tuesday (August 20), a Trump campaign spokesperson, Steven Cheung, posted a 13-second video on X that depicts Trump deplaning onto a tarmac in Michigan. The clip was scored by “Freedom,” reportedly without Beyoncé’s permission. As reports about the potential cease-and-desist emerged, the video was deleted from Cheung’s page.
“Freedom” has recently been adopted by Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign, and it’s been featured in ads with the artist’s blessing. It was played proudly at the Democratic National Convention, too.
Pitchfork has reached out to Beyoncé’s representatives for comment and additional information.
