Leonard Cohen Estate Rejects Unauthorized Use of ‘Hallelujah’ at Trump’s Freedom 250 Rally

The estate of Leonard Cohen has denied authorizing the use of “Hallelujah” at a Donald Trump rally on the National Mall, after the song was performed Wednesday night during the Freedom 250 event. A statement posted to Cohen’s social media channels was blunt: “This use is not authorized, and the Estate does not support or approve of this or any similar usage.” It ended with a pointed nod to Trump’s Truth Social sign-off: “Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

The performance came after weeks of public unraveling for the Freedom 250 concert series. Several artists—including Bret Michaels, Martina McBride, Young MC, The Commodores, and Morris Day—withdrew upon learning of organizers’ ties to Trump. Facing an empty bill, Trump repositioned the gathering as a rally featuring opera singer Christopher Macchio, who sang “Nessun Dorma” and “Hallelujah,” and country artist Lee Greenwood.

This is not the first time Cohen’s estate has pushed back against Trump’s use of the often-covered song. During the 2020 Republican National Convention, after a cover of “Hallelujah” played without permission, the estate said it was “dismayed” and criticized “the rather brazen attempt to politicize and exploit” the track. At the time, representatives suggested the campaign might instead seek Cohen’s “You Want it Darker.”

Trump has since announced plans for a July Fourth rally at the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, promising military bands, “Patriotic Melodies,” and his own playlist. The Cohen estate’s statement suggests it will be watching.