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Leonard Cohen Estate Objects to Donald Trumps Planned Use of Hallelujah at Freedom 250 Rally
The estate of late Canadian singer‑songwriter Leonard Cohen has publicly opposed the use of the artist’s song “Hallelujah” at a presidential rally scheduled for June 24, 2026. The event, part of President Donald J. Trump’s Freedom 250 celebration, will take place on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The estate’s statement, posted on Cohen’s official social‑media page, reads: “The Leonard Cohen Estate has learned that the song ‘Hallelujah’ is to be performed at a Donald Trump rally on June 24. This use is not authorized, and the Estate does not support or approve of this or any similar usage. Thank you for your attention to this matter.”
Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” released in 1984 on the album Various Positions, has become one of the most covered songs in contemporary music. The estate has previously expressed disapproval of the song’s use at Trump rallies. In 2024, when Trump’s campaign performed a cover of the track, the estate suggested the president use Cohen’s 2016 song “You Want It Darker” instead. The estate’s current objection follows a pattern of legal and public‑relations disputes between the Cohen family and political figures who have used the song without permission.
Trump announced the Freedom 250 rally in early June, describing it as “the Greatest Rally, EVER!” and “a Rally to end all Rallies.” The president’s announcement also named country singer Lee Greenwood and opera tenor Christopher Macchio as musical guests. Macchio, who has performed at several high‑profile Trump events, is scheduled to sing “Nessun Dorma,” “Ave Maria,” and “God Bless America.” Trump’s own statements praised Greenwood’s performance of “God Bless the U.S.A.” and highlighted the inclusion of the U.S. Army Band, the Marine Band, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
The lineup change came after a series of cancellations by other artists who had been slated to perform at Freedom 250 concerts. Trump’s decision to replace the planned concerts with a rally was announced on May 31, 2026, after several musicians withdrew. The event will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT) and will be streamed live.
The Cohen estate’s objection is part of a broader pattern of copyright disputes involving Trump’s use of popular music. The president has faced criticism from the estates of Neil Young, the Rolling Stones, and Tom Petty for performing their songs at rallies without securing licenses. While no lawsuit has yet been filed by the Cohen estate, the statement signals a willingness to pursue legal action if the performance proceeds.
Other controversies surrounding the Freedom 250 rally include the announcement that Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI director Kash Patel, would sing the national anthem. Wilkins defended her selection on social media, stating she was chosen “on my own accord.” The rally’s musical program also features the U.S. Army Band and the Marine Band, which have performed at previous presidential events.
The estate’s statement does not detail the specific licensing arrangements that Trump’s campaign has or has not secured for “Hallelujah.” It also does not confirm whether the estate has initiated or will initiate legal proceedings. The estate’s public objection, however, underscores the ongoing tension between artists’ rights holders and political organizers who use copyrighted music in public events.
As the Freedom 250 rally approaches, the estate’s stance remains a key point of public attention. The outcome will depend on whether the campaign obtains the necessary permissions from the Cohen estate or chooses to replace the song with an alternative. The event’s organizers have not yet responded to the estate’s statement.
The situation illustrates the continuing challenges of music licensing in large‑scale public events, especially when the performers are high‑profile political figures. The estate’s objection may prompt a review of the campaign’s licensing practices and could influence future decisions about music selection at similar rallies.
The Freedom 250 rally is scheduled for June 24, 2026, and will feature the lineup announced by President Trump. No official statement has been released by the campaign regarding the estate’s objection, and no lawsuit has been filed at this time.
Cohen’s “Hallelujah,” released in 1984 on the album Various Positions, has become one of the most covered songs in contemporary music. The estate has previously expressed disapproval of the song’s use at Trump rallies. In 2024, when Trump’s campaign performed a cover of the track, the estate suggested the president use Cohen’s 2016 song “You Want It Darker” instead. The estate’s current objection follows a pattern of legal and public‑relations disputes between the Cohen family and political figures who have used the song without permission.
Trump announced the Freedom 250 rally in early June, describing it as “the Greatest Rally, EVER!” and “a Rally to end all Rallies.” The president’s announcement also named country singer Lee Greenwood and opera tenor Christopher Macchio as musical guests. Macchio, who has performed at several high‑profile Trump events, is scheduled to sing “Nessun Dorma,” “Ave Maria,” and “God Bless America.” Trump’s own statements praised Greenwood’s performance of “God Bless the U.S.A.” and highlighted the inclusion of the U.S. Army Band, the Marine Band, and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus.
The lineup change came after a series of cancellations by other artists who had been slated to perform at Freedom 250 concerts. Trump’s decision to replace the planned concerts with a rally was announced on May 31, 2026, after several musicians withdrew. The event will begin at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT) and will be streamed live.
The Cohen estate’s objection is part of a broader pattern of copyright disputes involving Trump’s use of popular music. The president has faced criticism from the estates of Neil Young, the Rolling Stones, and Tom Petty for performing their songs at rallies without securing licenses. While no lawsuit has yet been filed by the Cohen estate, the statement signals a willingness to pursue legal action if the performance proceeds.
Other controversies surrounding the Freedom 250 rally include the announcement that Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI director Kash Patel, would sing the national anthem. Wilkins defended her selection on social media, stating she was chosen “on my own accord.” The rally’s musical program also features the U.S. Army Band and the Marine Band, which have performed at previous presidential events.
The estate’s statement does not detail the specific licensing arrangements that Trump’s campaign has or has not secured for “Hallelujah.” It also does not confirm whether the estate has initiated or will initiate legal proceedings. The estate’s public objection, however, underscores the ongoing tension between artists’ rights holders and political organizers who use copyrighted music in public events.
As the Freedom 250 rally approaches, the estate’s stance remains a key point of public attention. The outcome will depend on whether the campaign obtains the necessary permissions from the Cohen estate or chooses to replace the song with an alternative. The event’s organizers have not yet responded to the estate’s statement.
The situation illustrates the continuing challenges of music licensing in large‑scale public events, especially when the performers are high‑profile political figures. The estate’s objection may prompt a review of the campaign’s licensing practices and could influence future decisions about music selection at similar rallies.
The Freedom 250 rally is scheduled for June 24, 2026, and will feature the lineup announced by President Trump. No official statement has been released by the campaign regarding the estate’s objection, and no lawsuit has been filed at this time.
