President Donald Trump features numerous odd music choices in his rallies. While patriotic songs like "God Bless the USA" would be expected, others—like "You Can't Always Get What You Want"—would seem antithetical to what any President or candidate would want to communicate.
On Thursday night though, Trump's campaign blared "Purple Rain" by the legendary rock/soul/R&B icon Prince ahead of Trump's rally in the late artist's hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. And people were not OK.
Even Prince's estate is clapping back, assuring that it will "never give permission to President Trump to use Prince's songs."
President Trump played Prince’s “Purple Rain” tonight at a campaign event in Minneapolis despite confirming a year… https://t.co/fKfT2ZQbUy— Prince (@Prince) 1570761272.0
Prince's estate made the announcement with an attached letter dated nearly a year ago from Trump's attorneys assuring the estate that the campaign would no longer play Prince's music.
Looks like that went out the window.
This isn't the first time the Trump administration's actions have led to artists disavowing any association with him.
When singer Neil Young sounded off on Trump for using his song "Rockin' in the Free World" at a rally, Trump snapped back on Twitter.
For the nonbeliever, here is a photo of @Neilyoung in my office and his $$ request—total hypocrite. http://t.co/Xm4BJvetIa— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1435179694.0
Both Rihanna and Guns & Roses frontman Axl Rose spoke out against the campaign's use of their music as well.
Not for much longer...me nor my people would ever be at or around one of those tragic rallies, so thanks for the h… https://t.co/K3HdjZGH5V— Rihanna (@Rihanna) 1541377571.0
Just so ya know... GNR like a lot of artists opposed to the unauthorized use of their music at political events has… https://t.co/P4UHQRlMYX— Axl Rose (@Axl Rose) 1541318723.0
A staunch advocate for liberation, creativity, and panache, Prince is the antithesis of Donald Trump.
@prince My face when I heard Trump played Purple Rain at his hate rally. https://t.co/9aartL5vDB— Tuxedo Mask (@Tuxedo Mask) 1570765328.0
@cspamus1 @prince I agree. Never EVER touch Prince. EVER.— Tia (@Tia) 1570770018.0
@prince Prince is rolling in his grave 😢— NorthBelle🇨🇦🇿🇦 (@NorthBelle🇨🇦🇿🇦) 1570794370.0
@prince Publishing rights & public use are being violated. Prince re-released all his music on his own label after… https://t.co/XYAzLO7Amp— Karen Bennett (@Karen Bennett) 1570795550.0
An angry tweet from Trump is expected shortly.