Twitter Removes Trump’s Campaign Video For Using Linkin Park’s Song Illegally
Left image via mooinblack / Shutterstock.com, right image via Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock.com
Twitter disabled a campaign-style video that Donald Trump had retweeted after Linkin Park lodged a complaint over the unauthorized usage of its song, In the End.
Linkin Park’s fans criticized the president, claiming that the band’s lead singer Chester Bennington—who died by suicide in 2017—would be “turning in his grave.” Social media users also shared a tweet by Bennington, who criticized Trump before he won the presidency.
The video was originally shared by the White House, and it showed a montage of Trump addressing his supporters—from shots of the Congress, to military jets and Joe Biden. “What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people,” Trump could be heard in the video.
Although it did not contain the band’s original vocals, it did feature a cover of In The End by Jung Youth and Fleurie. Jung Youth also voiced his disapproval after learning Trump used his cover in the video. “Earlier today I found out that Trump illegally used a cover song that I am part of in a propaganda video which he tweeted. Anyone who knows me knows I stand firmly against bigotry and racism. Much love to everyone in the twitter community who helped get the video taken down,” he tweeted.
The clip went viral online after Trump retweeted it, and it caught the attention of the band, who issued a cease and desist order. “Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued,” the band warned.
Fans of the band were quick to bash Trump after he retweeted the video and questioned whether authorization was given for the song. “The lead singer for your song is turning in his grave right now,” one fan wrote.
“Please sue this man. Chester was against what Trump stands for. Don’t let him use this music for his gain,” another said. Other Twitter users shared tweets from Bennington back in 2015 when he hit out at Trump. “Donald Trump is a greater threat to the United States than terrorism,” he said.
Trump’s retweet became unavailable after it was flagged, and a notice was linked as to why it was taken down. Twitter said the clip was removed after it received a Digital Millennium Copyright Act notice from Linkin Park’s Machine Shop Entertainment, Reuters reported.
Here you go Dan. pic.twitter.com/1bIAMth3jL
— ]intheMatrixxx[ (@intheMatrixxx) July 19, 2020
Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorize his organization to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued.
— LINKIN PARK (@linkinpark) July 19, 2020
Donald Trump is a greater threat to the United States than terrorism.
— Chester Bennington (@ChesterBe) December 11, 2015
I repeat..... Trump is a greater threat to the USA than terrorism!! We have to take back our voices and stand for what we believe in
— Chester Bennington (@ChesterBe) January 30, 2017
Earlier today I found out that trump illegally used a cover song that I am part of in a propaganda video which he tweeted...anyone who knows me knows I stand firmly against bigotry and racism. Much love to everyone in the twitter community who helped get the video taken down fr!!
— JUNG YOUTH (@JUNGYOUTHmusic) July 19, 2020
Our Great President is going to Make America Great Again! RT @GEMof72: RT @Chiquit51591825: @realDonaldTrump The lead singer for your background song (Linkin Park) is turning in his grave right now. I doubt his…
— El Faith Lord (@ElFaithLord) July 18, 2020
@mikeshinoda / @linkinpark Please sue this man. Linkin Park's music has helped me through the darkest moments of my life. Chester was against what Trump stands for. Don't let him use this music for his gain...
— Volkman (@volkstyles) July 18, 2020
[via Billboard, opening image via mooinblack / Shutterstock.com, via Evan El-Amin / Shutterstock.com]
