Leonard Cohen Estate Objects to Trump's Use of 'Hallelujah' at Rally
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Leonard Cohen estate has publicly objected to the unauthorized use of the song "Hallelujah" at President Donald Trump’s Freedom 250 rally, stating they do not support or approve of its performance.
- Trump announced that Christopher Macchio would perform "Hallelujah" at the June 24 event on the National Mall, alongside other patriotic and classical pieces, despite prior objections and the song’s complex lyrical content.
- The rally, promoted by Trump as "the Greatest Rally, EVER!," will also feature performances by Lee Greenwood, the U.S. Army Band, Armed Forces Choir, and the United States Marine Band, emphasizing a mix of patriotic and classical music.
- Alexis Wilkins, girlfriend of FBI director Kash Patel, was booked to sing the National Anthem at the rally and defended her participation as independent of any special connections.
- Previous use of "Hallelujah" at Trump rallies has drawn criticism from artists like Rufus Wainwright, who called its association with Trump "the height of blasphemy," and the Cohen estate has suggested alternative Cohen songs for use instead.
