Twitter removes Trump retweet video after Linkin Park complain

Published July 19, 2020
Linkin Park are not the first band to take issue with the president's use of their music. — AFP
Linkin Park are not the first band to take issue with the president's use of their music. — AFP

Twitter has taken down a campaign-style video retweeted by US President Donald Trump after rock group Linkin Park issued a cease-and-desist order over the unauthorised use of their music, media reports said.

The video, which featured a cover of the band's 2001 hit “In the End,” was posted by White House social media director Dan Scavino and retweeted on Saturday by Trump.

The tweet now says: “This media has been disabled in response to a report by the copyright owner.”

Linkin Park said they did not authorise the use of their music by Trump or his campaign.

“Linkin Park did not and does not endorse Trump, nor authorise his organisation to use any of our music. A cease and desist has been issued,” the rock group said on Twitter.

The group's late lead singer Chester Bennington was outspoken in his disapproval of the Republican president.

“Trump is a greater threat to the USA than terrorism!! We have to take back our voices and stand for what we believe in,” Bennington tweeted in 2017.

Linkin Park are not the first band to take issue with the president's use of their music. The Rolling Stones last month threatened legal action against Trump if he does not stop using their songs at his campaign rallies.

Queen, Rihanna, Aerosmith, Adele, Neil Young, Dexys Midnight Runners, Panic! at the Disco and the family of the late Tom Petty have also complained about Trump's use of their music.

Entertainment industry bible Variety said commentators had noted the pro-Trump video's bizarre choice of “In the End”, whose lyrics include the chorus: “I tried so hard, And got so far, But in the end, It doesn't even matter."

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.