Rihanna proved she’s a woman of her word Monday when she sent a cease and desist letter to President Donald Trump telling him to stop playing her songs at his rallies.
The singer caught wind that the Commander-in-Chief was blaring her 2008 single “Don’t Stop the Music” during his campaign stop in Chattanooga, Tenn., on Nov. 4.
“It’s been said a million times, but here’s a million and one — Trump’s rallies are unlike anything else in politics,” tweeted The Washington Post White House Bureau Chief Phillip Rucker. “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.”
“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!” Rih said in response.
By Monday, the singer’s legal team had drafted up a letter to send to Trump’s White House counsel.
“It has come to our attention that President Trump has utilized [Rihanna’s] musical compositions and master recordings, including her hit track ‘Don’t Stop the Music,’ in connection with a number of political events held across the United States,” read the letter obtained by Rolling Stone. “As you are or should be aware, Ms. Fenty has not provided her consent to Mr. Trump to use her music. Such use is therefore improper.
“Trump’s unauthorized use of Ms. Fenty’s music… creates a false impression that Ms. Fenty is affiliated with, connected to or otherwise associated with Trump,” the memo continued.
Since Rihanna joined fellow performer and collaborator Pharrell Williams in demanding Trump cease using their music, she has made it clear she’s opposed to the president by backing Democratic candidate Andrew Gillum in the Florida gubernatorial elections.
“The US has only had four black Governors in its entire history, and we can help make #AndrewGillum the next one and Florida’s first!” Rih said on Instagram Sunday. “If you’re tired of feeling like you don’t matter in the political process, know the most important thing you can do in supporting a candidate is finding someone who will take on critical issues such as: making minimum wage a livable wage, paying teachers what their worth, ensuring criminal justice reform, making healthcare a right, and repealing Stand Your Ground.”
