Ariana Grande, the three-time Grammy winner has become the latest artist to publicly denounce the use of her music by the Trump campaign. This incident follows a pattern of musicians asserting their rights over unauthorized political use of their work.
In a recent development, Grande’s music was featured in a TikTok video posted by the Trump campaign. The video, which promoted anti-trans views, used her 2026 single “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love)”. The incident has sparked a strong reaction from the singer, who has taken to social media to voice her disapproval.
Ariana Grande’s Public Response
On Thursday, Grande commented directly on the TikTok video, stating, “Never use my music again.” She further emphasized her stance by adding, “Also, your truth is false.” This bold statement underscores her commitment to controlling the use of her artistic creations.
The video in question showed Trump walking on stage at a rally, with captions that began by quoting the song’s lyrics, “Me and my truth we sit in silence…” The captions then continued with the controversial statement, “Men can’t have babies and should never compete in sports.” Grande’s label is reportedly working to remove the song from the clip.
Previous Incidents and a Growing Trend
This is not the first time Grande has faced unauthorized use of her music by political entities. In June, she called out the White House for using her song “Bye” in a pro-ICE video. This incident highlights a broader trend where artists are increasingly vigilant about how their music is used in political contexts.
Grande joins a distinguished list of artists who have taken action against the unauthorized use of their music. Notable names include Taylor SwiftSabrina CarpenterOlivia RodrigoSZAThe Rolling StonesNeil YoungKaty PerryKeshaRadioheadNoah KahanJess Glynne and Kenny Loggins. Each of these artists has taken steps to protect their intellectual property and ensure their music aligns with their personal values.
The Broader Implications
The unauthorized use of music in political campaigns raises important questions about artistic rights and intellectual property. Artists like Grande are not only protecting their music but also sending a clear message about the values they stand for. This trend reflects a growing awareness among musicians about the impact of their work and the need to control its dissemination.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the ability to monitor and control the use of music becomes increasingly crucial. Artists are leveraging social media platforms to voice their concerns and take action, ensuring their music is used in ways that align with their beliefs and values. Grande’s recent actions serve as a reminder of the power artists hold in shaping the narrative around their work.
