Musician Rufus Wainwright recently expressed outrage after his cover of Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah” was played at a Donald Trump rally in Oaks, Pennsylvania.
Following the October 14 event, Wainwright took to social media to denounce Trump’s use of the track and publicly endorse Kamala Harris for the 2024 election.
At the Oaks rally, which reportedly turned into an unusual musical event, Trump stood on stage, swaying to music for over 30 minutes without speaking. One of the songs played was Wainwright’s rendition of “Hallelujah,” which left the singer deeply uncomfortable.
Wainwright explained that he considers “Hallelujah” a song dedicated to “peace, love, and acceptance of the truth,” and said he was honored to be associated with it.
However, he found it unsettling to see Trump and his supporters engage with the song, calling it “the height of blasphemy.” He clarified that he did not condone the use of the track and expressed hope, albeit slim, that Trump might reflect on Cohen’s lyrics.
Wainwright revealed that Trump’s campaign had received a cease and desist letter from Leonard Cohen’s estate to prevent further use of “Hallelujah.”
Many musicians have previously objected to their music being used at Trump rallies, and Wainwright joined this list by taking legal action.
He ended his statement by expressing his political stance, saying, “And needless to say: I am all in for Kamala!” This endorsement marks his alignment with the Democratic candidate and a clear opposition to Trump’s campaign.
Trump’s rally attracted attention not only for the unauthorized use of Wainwright’s song but also for his unusual behavior.
Videos showed Trump swaying to music and making reference to fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter from Silence of the Lambs. He even mistakenly urged supporters to vote on January 5, despite Election Day being November 5.
Kamala Harris responded to the incident by sharing a video clip of Trump appearing “lost” on stage and tweeting, “Hope he’s OK.”
Her comment came shortly after her health report was released, which described her as being in “excellent” physical and mental condition, adding contrast to the situation.
The White House recently released Harris’s health report, in which her physician, Dr. Joshua Simmons, affirmed that she is fully capable of handling the responsibilities of the presidency.
This report seemed timely, given the contrasting public perceptions of both candidates’ health and behavior.
Wainwright’s reaction highlights a broader cultural and political divide as the 2024 election nears.
Many artists, including Wainwright, have publicly opposed Trump’s campaign and use of their work. “Hallelujah,” a song with themes of acceptance and tolerance, seems an unusual choice for a Trump rally, especially given Wainwright’s known views.
Wainwright’s support for Harris also reflects the ongoing political tension, as public figures increasingly use their platforms to voice opposition or endorsement.
His stand against Trump not only emphasizes his desire to protect the integrity of Cohen’s music but also signals his alignment with a candidate whose values he feels resonate more with the song’s message. As the election approaches, these moments of resistance by artists continue to underscore the intense atmosphere surrounding the campaigns.
