New York: The world-famous Swedish pop group ABBA has demanded that former U.S. President Donald Trump immediately cease using their music at his campaign rallies. The group discovered their songs being used without permission, sparking a sharp rebuke from the band.
In a statement released by ABBA, the band expressed its dismay over the unauthorized use of their iconic tracks. “ABBA recently became aware of the unauthorized use of our music and videos at a Trump rally through online videos,” the statement reads. “ABBA and its representatives have requested that these materials be immediately removed and that no further content be used. To date, we have not received any formal request for permission, and therefore, no such permission has been granted.”
The songs at the center of the controversy include some of ABBA’s most beloved hits, such as “Waterloo,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and “Money, Money, Money.” These tracks were reportedly played at Trump’s recent rallies, including one in Minnesota in July where “The Winner Takes It All” was prominently featured. Universal Music in Sweden confirmed that ABBA’s music was indeed played at one of Trump’s events, further aggravating the situation.
Despite the band’s objections, a spokesperson for Trump’s campaign insists they have the legal right to use ABBA’s music. “We secured the ‘license’ to use these tracks through our agreements with BMI and ASCAP,” the spokesperson stated, dismissing the band’s concerns.
This dispute is the latest in a series of similar conflicts between Trump and various artists. In the past, musicians such as Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Phil Collins, John Fogerty, Neil Young, Eddy Grant, Panic! at the Disco, R.E.M., and Guns N’ Roses have all publicly objected to Trump’s use of their songs at his rallies.
ABBA, whose music dominated the charts in the 1970s and 1980s, remains influential in the music world. The band returned triumphantly in 2021 with their album “Voyage,” their first new release in decades. With 20 songs that have reached the Billboard Hot 100, ABBA’s legacy continues to resonate across generations.
