By Armaan Jetti
Boston University News Service
From Tom Petty to Queen, the use of popular music in Republican Presidential campaigns without an artist’s consent has become a recurring issue, sparking debate over respect for artists and their creative integrity. As voters head to the polls, some shared their thoughts on how unauthorized music use — particularly by the Republican Party — affects their view of candidates.
Recently, former President Donald Trump’s Pennsylvania rally reignited this controversy, where he opted to play music for the final 40 minutes, a move criticized by voters and political observers alike.
“Music is a source of artistry that resonates with people,” said Bella, a social media manager with a background in music business. “Using it without permission in a campaign risks distorting the artist’s message and can make the campaign appear insincere. Artists want their music used in ways that reflect their values, especially when they’ve been vocal about their political beliefs.”
For some voters, the controversy reveals a deeper irony. “I think it’s incredibly ironic for Republican campaigns, especially given that so many of them have a stance that’s tough on crime, and yet they choose to unlawfully use the intellectual property of someone else,” noted Erica Hayes, an educator. She said she found Trump’s recent rally “excessive and lazy,” adding that unauthorized music feels like “a cheap shot at getting an emotional response.”
Other voters expressed concern that this practice undermines the potential impact of music in political contexts. Charlie, a voter aware of past instances of unauthorized use, she he believes music can powerfully connect with audiences but only if used respectfully.
“Political figures are riding on the coattails of artists to connect with voters,” he said. “But if the artist doesn’t endorse that message, it cheapens the whole thing.” Charlie said he stresses the importance of prior permission when political figures use artists’ work, arguing that without the artist’s endorsement, the connection feels inauthentic and therefore diminishes the impact.
As Election Day unfolds, these perspectives reveal a recurring tension between artistic rights and political messaging. Unauthorized music use may offer a convenient emotional shortcut for campaigns, but for many voters, it risks undercutting the authenticity of political outreach.
This is one-part of a series about music in political settings. Stay tuned for more on this multimedia package.