Artist JMSN Requests Trump Administration to Cease Use of His Song

<p>Artist JMSN has requested that the Trump administration stop using his song "Love Me," which was featured in a government advertisement that critics claim illegally uses taxpayer funds. </p><p><strong>The big picture: </strong>The administration has faced criticism for its use of celebrities' music and images in government communications.</p><hr /><p><strong>Driving the news: </strong>In a letter sent to White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, JMSN's attorneys stated, "To be absolutely clear, JMSN does not want to be viewed as directly or indirectly affiliated with the President or his Administration." The letter was sent on Monday and included representation from Democracy Defenders Action's Norm Eisen.</p><ul><li>The attorneys argued that the government violated federal copyright law and created "a false endorsement or association" by implying JMSN is affiliated with the administration.</li><li>They also claimed the advertisement associates JMSN with "apparent violations of federal laws prohibiting the use of taxpayer dollars for political purposes," referencing an appropriations law that prohibits funds for "publicity or propaganda purposes." </li><li>They demanded confirmation by Thursday evening that the government has ceased using his song, canceled scheduled airings, and removed posts containing the song, as well as a written account of every airing and post.</li></ul><p><strong>What they're saying:</strong> JMSN stated in an Instagram post that he "would never authorize my music to be used for ANY political agenda or campaign."</p><ul><li>The White House did not immediately respond to Axios' request for comment.</li><li>A version of the advertisement that includes a montage of the president and the phrase "AMERICA WILL NEVER BE A COMMUNIST COUNTRY" was still available on the White House's YouTube page at the time of this publication.</li></ul><p><strong>Zoom out: </strong>The government-backed advertisements, which also include a repurposed campaign ad from the 2024 cycle, have received bipartisan criticism.</p><ul><li>Despite the criticism, the White House has maintained that these are "very clearly not campaign ads" and serve as a reminder for Americans to appreciate their country and understand why it is worth defending.</li></ul><p><strong>Go deeper: </strong><a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/09/25/trump-white-house-taxpayer-funded-ad-democrats">White House defends Trump video ad Dems call "government propaganda"</a></p>