While Japan has taken the US to task over using Super Mario in White House social media posts, Taylor Swift’s music videos have also been muted by TikTok. Despite Donald Trump’s petulant outburst on social media, his campaign and official White House accounts continued to use her copyrighted songs until they were automatically removed.
Dozens of artists including Sabrina Carpenter, Olivia Rodrigo, and Ariana Grande have previously asked the administration not to use their music. The takedowns highlight that all brands need proper licensing before using any intellectual property, even that of political figures. Associating with a celebrity without their consent can alienate fans.
In Trump’s case, these incidents may be unintentional, but they’re adding to the feeling of improvised chaos as we approach midterms. The use of unauthorised music could amplify a cultural feud, and audiences expect brands to respect creators' work.
Artists can now request manual removal from non-approved profiles, ensuring that their intellectual property is protected. This reminder serves as a stark lesson for all brands: always secure proper licensing before using any copyrighted material, even politically motivated posts.
