Artist Objects to Trump Ad Using Song Without Permission
Artist JMSN sends cease-and-desist to White House over unauthorized use of his song in taxpayer-funded ad.
POLICY WIRE — City, Country — A musician whose track was featured in a presidential campaign ad funded by taxpayers has issued a formal demand for the White House to stop using his work without permission.
The artist, known as JMSN, is represented by Norman Eisen, a former White House ethics official under President Barack Obama. The legal team, including Democracy Defenders Action and Ballard Spahr LLP, has sent a cease-and-desist letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, asserting that the song “Love Me” was used without authorization.
The ad, which aired as part of a broader campaign, features the track playing alongside messages about defeating communism and socialism in America. It includes visuals from Trump’s second term, such as rallies, pardoning turkeys, and military events. JMSN expressed on social media that he never gave the White House permission to use his music for political purposes.
📄 POLICY WIRE WHITEPAPER PUBLISHED: PAKISTAN’S NATIONAL SECURITY POLICY PRIORITIES
A White House spokesperson defended the ads, stating they aim to highlight what makes the country worth defending. However, no response has been given regarding the legal notice. Taxpayer money is also funding another ad, a copy of one shared during Trump’s 2024 campaign, with updated branding to indicate government sponsorship.
Another ad, titled “Celebrating The Enduring Spirit,” includes audio from Trump’s 2026 speech at Mount Rushmore. The legal action follows public records requests seeking more details about the ads, though the Treasury Department and Office of Management and Budget have not commented.
Some Republicans have raised concerns about the use of public funds for political messaging. Senator John Kennedy criticized the practice, while Senator Thom Tillis compared it to actions taken by Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, who faced electoral consequences for similar tactics.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
