OConnor representatives urge Trump to stop using her songs in campaign
Representatives for the late Irish singer Sinead O’Connor have asked former U.S. President Donald Trump to cease using her musical compositions during his current election campaign. A British television channel reported this development, noting the campaign request and the potential impact on public perception.
In a statement, O’Connor’s representatives emphasized that she would be deeply upset to see her work associated with a political figure she has publicly criticized, calling him the biblical devil in discussions with supporters. The message underscored that the use of her music in a political context would be offensive to her legacy and to many of her fans.
According to Sky News coverage, Trump has, in several voter-facing encounters, employed a cover rendition of Prince’s iconic track Nothing Compares 2 U, performed by an Irish singer. O’Connor’s version, released in 1990, dominated charts for multiple weeks in both the United Kingdom and the United States, reinforcing the song’s status as a cross border anthem.
At the tail end of January, a report from Fox News indicated that aides to President Joe Biden were hoping to signal support for singer Taylor Swift during the upcoming election, implying that Swift’s appeal could influence the president’s fundraising and broader campaign dynamics.
Trump publicly criticized singer Rihanna in February 2023 on the eve of her Super Bowl performance. Rihanna had previously criticized Trump during his presidency, including comments about immigration policy in 2017 and responses to mass shootings in several states in 2019. The exchanges highlighted persistent tensions between the former president and major entertainment figures.
There has also been discourse suggesting that Trump accused Biden of dishonest tactics in trying to secure electoral advantages. The broader conversation reflects ongoing tensions between political figures and celebrity voices during campaign cycles.