Enough Is Enough! Celebrities Who Have Sent Cease-And-Desist Letters To Donald Trump

Throughout his time in the limelight, former president Donald Trump has been at the center of controversy numerous times, involving celebrities. As Trump continues to build his political career, his use of public figures’ names, songs, and images, often without permission, has resulted in several celebrities sending Trump cease and desist letters in an effort to stop him from using their likeness.

One of the latest to send a letter is radio personality Charlamagne Tha God. Known for his unfiltered commentary, Charlamagne found himself unexpectedly featured in one of Trump’s campaign ads. The advertisement in question, called out Vice President Kamala Harris for allegedly supporting taxpayer-funded gender transition surgeries for transgender prisoners. However, Trump took a clip of Charlamagne’s comments to make it seem like he was going against Harris.

In response, Charlamagne took legal action against Trump and sent him a cease-and-desist letter demanding that the ad be taken down.

“Cease and desist been sent,” Charlamagne said. “Since when does Trump care about what’s legal!?”

This move reflects a wider frustration many celebrities face when they’ve found themselves in a situation they were unaware of. But, despite Charlamagne issuing a cease and desist letter, he’s not the first celebrity to take this step. Check out the list below to see what celebs had an issue with Trump using them for political gain:

• In 2015 and 2018, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith demanded that Trump stop using his songs “Dream On” and “Living on the Edge” at political rallies, sending cease and desist letters both times.
• Linkin Park: For Trump’s 2020 campaign, a supporter made a re-election video that included the band’s song. The former president shared the video later, which prompted Linkin Park to send a cease-and-desist letter.
• Rihanna: In 2018, Rihanna was made aware that her music was being played during Trump’s rallies. Shortly after, Rolling Stone reported that Rihanna’s team sent Trump a cease and desist letter.
• Pharrell Williams: Hours following the 2018 Pittsburgh synagogue shooting, Trump played Pharrell’s “Happy” song at his rally. The musician had his team a cease and desist letter to Trump almost immediately, stating that “there was nothing ‘happy’ about the tragedy…”
• Beyoncé: Earlier this year, Beyoncé endorsed Harris, granting her permission to use her “Freedom” track in her campaign. However, in August, a republican spokesperson shared a clip of Trump featuring the same song. Trump was hit with a cease and desist from Beyoncé’s team.
• The Rolling Stones: In 2016 and 2020, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger sent Trump a cease and desist letter after he used their classic hit “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” in his campaigns.
• In August 2024, Isaac Hayes’ estate sued Trump for using “Hold On, I’m Coming” without permission at rallies. A federal judge ruled in Hayes’ favor, issuing a temporary order banning Trump from playing the song at future events.