Earlier this week, Donald Trump sparked controversy when he used a song from the rapper, TI, to attack Joe Biden in a campaign ad. The video uses lyrics from the song, “Whatever You Like,” with much of the lyrical content changed to suit his message.
As most know, T.I. isn’t the biggest fan of the president of the United States. In fact, he has frequently slammed the politician for allegations of racism and sexism. With that in mind, it didn’t take long for the rapper to release an official statement in response to the Trump administration using his song.
Paraphrasing T.I.’s statement, the rapper accused the president of using one of his tracks without permission and out of desperation for his campaign. The video includes images of both him and Joe Biden in what is an attack ad against the democratic candidate.
Later in the statement, the rapper’s representative said that in no way, shape or form, would T.I. allow for the president to use his music for his political message. It added, “the people of our country deserve far better than this.”
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This wouldn’t be the first time a recording artist expressed their disappointment and unhappiness in Trump’s use of their songs without permission. Back in 2018, it was reported by multiple outlets that Steven Tyler from Aerosmith requested Trump to stop using the band’s tracks during his campaign rallies.
Reportedly, Trump used the song, “Livin’ On The Edge” for his rally on the 21st of August, Tuesday, in West Virginia. A report from Variety claims that the Aerosmith frontman sent a cease-and-desist letter to the White House via his legal counsel, Dina LaPolt.
His lawyer used the Lanham Act, which prohibits the use of a song due to the track becoming associated with the user’s message. In other words, the song’s merit and values may be unfairly associated with the actions of another simply by them using it.
The letter said that Trump, through his use of “Livin’ On The Edge,” was creating the impression that Aerosmith supported his administration.
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