Controversy Over Music Use in Trump Team TikTok Videos

1 week ago 0

Taylor Swift’s music is absent from several videos shared by President Donald Trump’s Team Trump TikTok account. An edited video from August 3, featuring the president and Melania Trump watching fireworks, initially played Swift’s 2020 hit “August” from her “Folklore” album. The caption humorously suggested Swift would be thrilled about the usage, but now the video is mute. Comments on the post expressed satisfaction about the removal, labeling Swift as “the audio queen” and mocking the lack of sound.

Numerous videos, including a November montage using Swift’s “Life of a Showgirl” track “Father Figure” in honor of Trump, have also lost their audio. USA TODAY sought comments from the White House and Swift’s representatives on the matter. Another Team Trump video, released on August 6 and now soundless, suggested Swift’s fourth studio album “Red” was inspired by the Republican Party. This video humorously replaced the album cover with Trump donning a red MAGA hat.

Swift had shown support for former Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate opposing Trump for the 2024 election. Trump responded on TruthSocial expressing his dislike for Swift and later in 2025, commented on her engagement to Travis Kelce positively, calling Kelce a “great player” and wishing the couple well.

Several artists have publicly criticized the unauthorized use of their music by the White House. A video depicting U.S. military actions in Iran on July 23 used Katy Perry’s “Firework” without her consent. Perry condemned the act, stating her song symbolizes hope and healing, and should not support violence. Ariana Grande reacted similarly to a June 9 TikTok video that used her song “Bye” alongside federal agents making arrests. Grande’s critique led to the removal of her song and comment.

Other musicians, including Kesha, Olivia Rodrigo, Noah Kahan, and Sabrina Carpenter, have also criticized the White House for using their music without permission. Kahan’s protest prompted the page to respond with a video stating they would continue posting his music.