The Controversial Use of Music in Campaigns: The Case of Elton John and Trump

Has Donald Trump ever considered using Elton John's music in his campaign? The short answer is no. This article delves into the reasons behind this decision, highlighting the complexities and controversies involved in using songs in political campaigns.

Context and Controversy

Some have suggested that former President Barack Obama (popularly known as Biden) should have used Elton John's song, given his Pennsylvania roots. Others argue that Philadelphia, where Biden was born, has significant issues that should be exposed. A search on YouTube using the term 'Kensington' reveals the harsh realities of drug addiction and decay in Democratic-run cities. However, it's important to note that the focus on such cities might overshadow the nation's progress and achievements.

The song in question, often referred to as Elton John's ode to his ally Billie Jean King, carries a deep political and social undertone. The discussion shifts to the legal and ethical boundaries of using such music in political campaigns, a topic that has gained significant traction in recent years.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Political campaigns cannot use copyrighted music without permission. The iconic "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me" would be a prime example of this. Elton John, a renowned and respected artist, has no inclination to grant such permissions due to his class and integrity. His choice to honor his artistic and personal values, which align with the figures he supports, makes it clear why he would refuse to give his blessing to a campaign like Trump's.

While Elton John and Billie Jean King are both openly gay, their political views differ significantly from those of conservatives. Writing a song for King's professional tennis team, The Philadelphia Freedom, could indeed have hidden references that resonate with their lifestyle. However, music licensing can be complex, as Elton John either directly controls the performing rights or a licensing agency manages them. If the latter, Trump's campaign would need to legally license the song to use it, a process that can be fraught with legal complications.

Historical Precedents and Legal Issues

History provides several instances of politicians running into similar issues. For instance, when Reagan attempted to use Born In The USA as a patriotic campaign anthem, he overlooked the song's anti-war and anti-authority origins. Similarly, Donald Trump's campaign faced legal challenges when they used Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" without permission.

Elton John's decision to turn down an invitation to perform at Trump's inauguration and his refusal to allow the use of his music at Trump rallies are illustrative of the artist's moral stance. Elton's statement, "it’s nothing personal his political views are his own mine are very different," underscores his independence and respect for personal and professional boundaries.

A potential solution for the campaign is to seek alternative artists, as suggested by Elton. However, the complexity of music licensing often precludes such alternatives. Therefore, political campaigns must be prepared for the legal and moral quandaries that arise when attempting to incorporate copyrighted music into their platforms.

Conclusion

The issue of using music in political campaigns is a multifaceted problem, particularly when it involves high-profile artists. The case of Elton John and Donald Trump highlights the legal and ethical complexities involved. Campaigns must navigate these challenges carefully to avoid copyright infringement and to maintain integrity and respect for artists' decisions.

Keywords

Donald Trump Elton John Copyright Infringement Campaign Music Philadelphia