Trump campaign claims it had right to use Foo Fighters song, despite group’s furious backlash
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Donald Trump’s campaign says it was given permission to play the Foo Fighters hit “My Hero” at a rally where the former president was endorsed by his political rival-turned-supporter Robert F Kennedy Jr, although the band has said it did not grant permission.
The Independent saw documents that appeared to confirm that the campaign had licensed the song from BMI’s Songview service. “We have a license to play the song,” a campaign spokesperson said.
Kennedy, who suspended his campaign as an independent presidential candidate on Friday, joined Trump on stage in Arizona as fireworks rang out and the Foos song played.
In a statement shared with The IndependentA Foo Fighters spokesperson said: “Foo Fighters were not asked for permission, and if they had been, they would not have granted it.
The spokesperson added that “appropriate action is being taken” against the Trump campaign and that any royalties collected from this use will be donated to the Harris/Walz campaign.
Foo Fighters also responded curtly on their official X account after a social media user asked if they had given permission. “Hey @foofighters, did you let Trump use ‘My Hero’ to welcome RFK Jr. on stage?” they were asked.
“No,” the group responded, later reposting the interaction with the caption, “Let’s be clear.”
“I don’t think many of you have heard of him, he’s very private,” Trump said in Arizona, before the chorus of the 1997 song began. “He’s a very private person, but he’s very respected. He’s a great person. I’ve known him for a very long time. For 16 months. Robert F. Kennedy Jr.”
He went on to praise RFK Jr., who he said “brought together people from across the political spectrum who were rooted in the values of his father, Robert F. Kennedy, a great man, and his uncle John F. Kennedy.”
He promised to create a commission to investigate presidential assassinations and release any remaining classified information about the JFK assassination.
However, despite the warm welcome from Trump and his supporters, the reception from the Kennedy family itself was much less enthusiastic.
A statement Friday from members of the Kennedy family called the support a “betrayal.”
“We want an America filled with hope and united by a shared vision of a better future, a future defined by individual freedom, economic promise and national pride,” the statement read, adding that the alliance with Trump is “a sad end to a sad story.”
The Independent has contacted Foo Fighters management for comment.
