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Ariana Grande Clashes with Trump Team Over Unauthorized Song Use

PUBLISHED Aug 22, 2026, 8:18 PM ET

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Ariana Grande Clashes with Trump Team Over Unauthorized Song Use

Media Bias Meter

Sources: 31

Left 26%

Center 71%

Right 3%

Sources: 31

Ariana Grande has objected to Team Trump using her music in a political TikTok, this time over “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait for Your Love).” The account posted the video on Aug. 20, showing President Donald Trump walking toward a podium while text referenced the song and said men cannot have babies or compete in women’s sports. Grande commented, “Never use my music again. Also, your truth is false.” Her comment was later no longer visible, and the song was subsequently removed or muted from the post, according to multiple reports. Deadline reported that Grande’s label, Republic Records, was working to remove the track. This episode follows a June dispute in which the White House used Grande’s “Bye” in an immigration-enforcement video; the audio was later removed after her objection. The latest incident adds to a broader 2026 pattern of artists challenging Trump-affiliated accounts over political use of their music.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On June 2026, White House used Grande's “Bye” during enforcement.
On June 2026, Grande demanded officials stop using her music.
On August 2026, Swift's “August” was removed from Trump TikTok.
On August 20, Team Trump posted Grande's song amid politics.
On August 20, Grande publicly objected directly through TikTok comments.
On August 21, reports said Grande's TikTok comment later disappeared.
On August 22, reports confirmed the song had been muted.
On August 23, latest coverage showed no major legal filing.
In coming days, labels may pursue removals of political music.
In coming months, artists may tighten licensing safeguards for campaigns.
Over coming years, political music disputes could reshape platform licensing.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Artists increasingly challenge political campaigns over music used without approval.
Possible long-term US impact: Music licensing disputes may increase scrutiny of political social-media practices.
Reader priority: Compare original posts, artist statements, platform changes, and independently reported developments.
Most Affected: Artists, labels, campaigns, political advertisers, TikTok, and music-rights organizations.

Media Bias

Articles Published:: 31
Right Leaning:: 1
Left Leaning:: 8
Neutral:: 22

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasizes artist consent, transgender implications, and Trump administration messaging. Center: Coverage emphasizes music use, Grande's objection, removal, and factual chronology. Right: Coverage emphasizes Grande's political opposition while defending Trump's stated position.