The recent tension between ABBA and Donald Trump has captured headlines, fueling curiosity among fans and the public alike. The iconic Swedish pop band and the former U.S. president find themselves at odds, leaving many wondering what sparked this unexpected conflict.
So, what happened between ABBA and Donald Trump? Here is everything you need to know about it.
What happened between ABBA and Donald Trump?
ABBA recently took legal action against Donald Trump’s presidential campaign after they discovered that he was using their music without permission at one of his rallies. On July 27, 2024, the former president’s campaign played ABBA hits such as “The Winner Takes It All” and “Money, Money, Money” at a rally in Minnesota, a state with a significant Swedish-American population. Additionally, footage of ABBA members was displayed on large screens at the event.
Universal Music, ABBA’s record label, issued a formal legal notice. They demanded that the Trump campaign immediately remove and stop using their music and associated videos. ABBA’s representatives stated that the campaign did not request permission. Therefore, they did not grant any license or authorization. The band became aware of the issue only after videos from the rally circulated online. (via The Washington Post)
This is not the first time a high-profile artist has objected to Trump using their music. Most recently, Céline Dion spoke out against the use of her iconic song “My Heart Will Go On” at Trump’s campaign rally in Montana. Over the years, other artists, including Adele, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, and the Rolling Stones, have also protested against the unauthorized use of their music at Trump’s events.
A representative for the Trump campaign reportedly claimed that they were authorized to use ABBA’s music. They cited a licensing agreement with the performing rights organizations Broadcast Music Inc. (BMI) and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), as per The Washington Post.
Despite the Trump campaign’s claim of having a license, ABBA and Universal Music seem firm in their stance.
