ABBA objected after its music and footage were used at Donald Trump’s July 2024 campaign rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota. On 29 August 2024, Universal Music said its publishing and label companies had received no request and granted no permission or licence, and asked for videos featuring ABBA’s music or footage to be taken down.
What happened at the St. Cloud rally?
At a Trump campaign rally held in July 2024 at a hockey stadium in St. Cloud, Minnesota, ABBA songs were played and footage of the group appeared on a large screen alongside messages asking supporters to donate. Radio Sweden, citing Svenska Dagbladet’s observation of the event, reported that “The Winner Takes It All” and a medley of other ABBA hits were played. Radio Sweden reported the dispute on 29 August 2024.
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The Guardian’s 29 August account named “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes It All,” and “Dancing Queen,” and described the screen footage and donation messages.
What did ABBA’s record company say?
Universal Music said Universal Music Publishing AB and Polar Music International AB had received no request from the Trump campaign and that neither company had granted permission or a licence. Universal Music also requested that videos featuring ABBA’s music or footage be taken down. The Guardian reported Universal Music’s statement.
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That statement is the label’s account of the two companies’ permissions. The reporting does not establish the complete set of rights involved or whether a campaign or venue held another licence, so it does not by itself settle the legal status of every use.
What did Björn Ulvaeus say?
As reported by The Guardian, ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus sent Swedish newswire TT a text message saying: “Our record company Universal makes sure it is taken down.” The quotation was reported through TT; it was not presented as a direct interview with The Guardian.
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Was the music use ruled unlawful?
The available reporting establishes Universal Music’s objection and removal request, not a court ruling about ABBA’s dispute. The Guardian also noted objections by other musicians and estates to campaign use of their work, but those are separate disputes. In particular, the Associated Press later reported an injunction and settlement in the separate Isaac Hayes estate case; that outcome does not determine the result of ABBA’s complaint. Associated Press coverage of the Hayes case.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is known about the removal request’s outcome?
The reports establish that Universal Music asked for videos featuring ABBA music or footage to be taken down, but they do not establish whether the request was fulfilled or what happened afterward in this ABBA-specific dispute.
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