In August 2024, ABBA and Universal Music asked the Trump campaign to stop using the group’s music and remove videos showing it at campaign events. The campaign said it had a BMI and ASCAP license to play the songs. That claim concerned song playback; reporting said it was unclear whether the campaign had permission to show ABBA music videos or footage. The reports did not establish a final legal ruling.
What happened at the Minnesota rally?
At a Trump campaign rally in St. Cloud, Minnesota, on 27 July 2024, ABBA songs were played and footage of the group was shown on a large screen, according to The Guardian. The screen footage appeared alongside messages urging supporters to donate.
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The songs reported included “Money, Money, Money,” “The Winner Takes It All” and “Dancing Queen.” Sveriges Radio, citing Svenska Dagbladet, also reported that “The Winner Takes It All” and a medley of other ABBA hits were played.
Why did ABBA and Universal object?
On 29 August, Universal Music said it and Polar Music International AB had received no request to use the music and had given no permission or licence to the Trump campaign. The company said it had consulted ABBA’s members and requested that videos showing the group’s music or videos at Trump events be taken down and removed, as reported by The Guardian.
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ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus told the Swedish newswire TT, “Our record company Universal makes sure it is taken down,” according to the same report. The request was an objection and demand for removal; the coverage does not report a court decision resolving the dispute.
What did the Trump campaign say about its license?
On 30 August, the campaign said it had a license to play ABBA’s music through agreements with BMI and ASCAP. That English wording is a translation of the campaign statement reported by SVT Nyheter.
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SVT reported that BMI said the campaign held a political license giving it access to more than 22 million licensed songs, including ABBA songs. This describes BMI’s explanation of the campaign’s reported permission to play music; it does not establish that ABBA or its representatives had separately approved the campaign’s use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Does a campaign music license cover music videos?
The reporting distinguishes playing recorded songs at an event from displaying music videos or footage. SVT said it was unclear whether the campaign had the additional permissions needed for the video display. A license the campaign said allowed it to play songs therefore does not, by itself, answer the separate video-use question.
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The 2024 reports document the parties’ positions and the licensing distinction, but do not establish whether the videos were ultimately removed or whether the campaign used ABBA material again later.
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