Two people whose music is not in the public domain.
Image: Vulture; Photos: James Devaney/GC/Getty, Brad Barket/Getty

If all press is good press, then Donald Trump and JD Vance are getting a lot of good press because no one in the music industry other than Kid Rock wants to be associated with them. Twice in the last few days, artists whose songs were played at Trump-Vance rallies have issued statements declaring that they actually disagree with it. Most recently, on August 11, the family of the late singer-songwriter Isaac Hayes threatened to sue Donald Trump and his campaign for “134 counts of copyright infringement for the unauthorized use of the song ‘Hold On I’m Coming’ at campaign rallies from 2022 to 2024.” They are demanding $3 million in retroactive royalties and a statement from his team clarifying that the Hayes family and estate “have never authorized, endorsed or permitted the use of Isaac Hayes Enterprises’ property at any time, now or in perpetuity throughout the universe.”

This follows a separate statement from the camp of global icon Céline Dion after Trump used her song “My Heart Will Go On” at a rally. “This use is in no way authorized and Céline Dion does not endorse this or any similar use,” a statement on Twitter said. “…And really, THIS song?” Really good point, Céline Dion! Maybe Trump just likes the parts in Titanic when Billy Zane makes fun of a poor person.