Donald Trump received a warning from the estate of a legendary singer for using the artist’s iconic song. The estate publicly issued a statement, saying that it didn’t “authorize” to use the song at the president’s Freedom 250 rally.
Singer Leonard Cohen’s estate issues a warning for Donald Trump
Leonard Cohen’s estate publicly objected to the use of the late singer’s famous song “Hallelujah” at Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 rally.
The estate posted its statement on Cohen’s official Facebook page ahead of the event. It read, “The Leonard Cohen Estate has learned that the song ‘Hallelujah’ is to be performed at a Donald Trump rally on June 24. This use is not authorized, and the Estate does not support or approve of this or any similar usage.”
Despite the estate’s objection, singer Christopher Macchio performed “Hallelujah” at the rally. The event also faced controversy after several artists reportedly withdrew upon learning of its political connection. Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, and Young MC were among those who pulled out of the event. Moreover, singers Sabrina Carpenter and Ariana Grande have also warned the Trump administration from using their songs for any politically charged posts and events (via The Daily Beast).
The Freedom 250 rally was a campaign-style political event led by the Republican leader on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The rally officially kicked off the 16-day Great American State Fair and served as the opening ceremony.
At the beginning of the event, Donald Trump delivered a rally-style speech, praising his work as president. “As you know very well, a short time ago, we were a dead country. We were dead. Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world. We’re respected by everybody. Nobody’s laughing at us anymore,” he said in his speech (via The Guardian).
