Leonard Cohen Estate Objects to Trump’s Promised Use of ‘Hallelujah’ at Freedom 250 Rally
Yahoo News UK • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Leonard Cohen estate has publicly objected to the unauthorized use of the song "Hallelujah" at President Donald J. Trump's Freedom 250 rally in Washington, D.C., stating they do not support or approve of this usage.
- Trump announced that "Hallelujah" would be performed at the event, with Christopher Macchio scheduled to sing the song alongside other selections like "Nessun Dorma" and "God Bless America."
- Alexis Wilkins, girlfriend of FBI director Kash Patel, was booked to sing the National Anthem at the rally and defended her participation as voluntary and unrelated to special connections.
- The Cohen estate previously criticized Trump's use of "Hallelujah" in 2024 rallies, suggesting he use Cohen's "You Want It Darker" instead, highlighting the song's lyrics that could be interpreted as critical of Trump.
- The Freedom 250 rally, set to begin at 5:30 p.m. ET, will also feature performances by the U.S. Army Band, Armed Forces Choir, and the United States Marine Band, emphasizing patriotic music.
