People are wondering what has got into Donald Trump following a bizarre musical interlude in a recent rally in Oaks, Pennsylvania. Accompanied by South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem, Trump engaged in a medley of movements in time with the music, resulting in an unusual atmosphere that kept many attendees and remote observers entertained and perplexed. The playlist crafted for the evening featured an eclectic mix of genres and themes, comprising both contemporary and classical pieces. The audience was treated to compositions such as Franz Schubert’s Ave Maria, Guns N’ Roses’ November Rain, Andrea Bocelli and Luciano Pavarotti’s Time to Say Goodbye, as well as Sinead O’Connor’s heartfelt Nothing Compares 2 U. The selection continued with James Brown’s soulful rendition of It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World.
The evening took a particularly curious turn with the inclusion of the vibrant YMCA by the Village People, the song Trump ‘danced’ to ahead of the attack on the Capitol Building, and a version of Leonard Cohen’s iconic Hallelujah performed by Rufus Wainwright. The latter choice swiftly garnered widespread attention and criticism, particularly from those associated with the songs and their authors.
Rufus Wainwright expressed significant dismay over the song’s use during the event. Taking to the social media platform X, Wainwright articulated his surprise and discomfort, emphasizing that the song, known for conveying themes of peace and acceptance, seemed incongruent with the nature of the event.
Singer Barbra Streisand, an established critic of Trump, also weighed in on the event, voicing concerns over the former President’s conduct during the town hall. She described the spectacle of Trump swaying to music for over 30 minutes as unsettling, especially for someone vying for the Presidency.
The event has sparked reactions beyond celebrities, prompting the estate of Leonard Cohen to issue a cease and desist order to prevent further use of the song Hallelujah at Trump events. This marks another chapter in the recurring theme of artists and estates contesting the usage of their music in political events without consent. Artists such as Adele, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, and the White Stripes have previously taken similar actions against unauthorised use of their music.
Source: Noah Wire Services
