Dead Kennedys sue Trump campaign for unauthorized use of song at rally

Jello Biafra, best known for his work with the legendary punk rock group The Dead Kennedys has issued a cease and desist order against President Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign, prohibiting the campaign from further use of the band’s “Kill the Poor” at campaign rallies.

The song was played over the PA system at a Trump rally in Griffins, AR a few moments before the President took the stage. Biafra was alerted to the campaign’s use of the song when a fan posted video footage of the rally to Twitter. The tweet, which was posted by 17 year old Grayson Monad, and deleted at Biafra’s request, contained footage from the rally, where the song was being played over the PA system. Although the sound in the video is distorted, it is clear that “Kill the Poor” is being played in the background.

In a conversation with Channel 34, Monad said “It was crazy. I am at this stupid rally with my uncle, and we’re waiting for Trump to come out and all of a sudden, the Dead Kennedys come on. I don’t know much about politics, but I thought it was weird, so I recorded it and posted it and tagged Jello to see what he thought. I didn’t think he’d actually see it.”

Jello Biafra responded to the tweet within moments of its appearance, sending a direct message to Monad asking him to please delete the tweet and remove the video. Speaking to Channel 34 via Skype, Biafra said he took such prompt action to have the tweet removed for fear that the video would go viral and his music be associated with the Trump campaign.

“It should be clear to anyone who knows my work that I do not endorse Trump in any way, and don’t want my music anywhere near his name.” Biafra stated that he had denied prior requests from the Trump campaign to use the band’s “I Am the Owl” and assumed the matter was settled. “I was stunned and sickened by the video. I’d made it clear to them that my music was off limits, but they just couldn’t resist. But it’s Donald Trump, why should I expect him to keep his word?”

The Trump campaign declined to comment on this story.

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