November 08, 2018 

By Lauren Victoria Burke 

NNPA Newswire 

 

When a popular singer with 88 million followers on her Twitter account sends a message about something bothering her, people tend to notice. When she sends the message less than 72 hours before a crucial midterm election they notice even more.

 

President Trump’s constant use of popular music from artists who do not support him continues. Artists from Paul McCartney to Bruce Springsteen to Steven Tyler have publicly asked for Trump to stop playing their music during the 2016 campaign. Prince’s estate has done the same. In likely violation of the public performance rights rules, Trump and his staff continued to play the music and disregard requests.

 

Impressively, even for Donald Trump, he managed to win the negative attention of Rihanna and Guns n’ Roses lead singer Axl Rose in the same 24-hour period. Both expressed annoyance that Trump has recently played their music at his rallies.

 

Forty-eight hours before Election Day, Washington Post political reporter and Washington Bureau chief, Phil Rucker tweeted, “It’s been said a million times, but here’s a million and one — Trump’s rallies are unlike anything else in politics. Currently, Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music” is blaring in Chattanooga as aides toss free Trump T-shirts into the crowd, like a ball game. Everyone’s loving it.”

 

Less than a day later Rihanna tweeted in response.

 

“Not for much longer…me nor my people would ever be at or around one of those tragic rallies, so thanks for the heads up philip!”

Category: Arts & Culture