'For him to use it was blasphemous': Rufus Wainwright on Trump playing 'Hallelujah' at town hall

Singer-songwriter Rufus Wainwright says he was "mortified" when Trump played his 'Hallelujah' cover, adding it was the "height of blasphemy." He joins Stephanie Ruhle to discuss.
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#RufusWainwright #DonaldTrump #2024election

[@leannevandekew1996]

I still cannot wrap my brain around why, even after 9 years of this, there are still people who think the whiniest and most fragile crybaby on Earth is admirable.

[@kimbrigman3494]

Me either it's so unbelievable he's so evil and playing hallelujah.

[@Bela-ko9ss]

That’s because this dude has no shame!!

[@dorianshadesofgray]

@@leannevandekew1996 the crybabies of this world are the Rufus Wainwrights and other pathetic entertainers who find out very quickly that more than half the country will boycott them for their pathetic stances

[@lindaramirez7339]

Blows my mind too 😨

[@MavicAir1]

Agreed, it's horrible. This is worse than any SNL skit. He is truly is sick.

[@peterphan227]

That insane town hall should count as a failed cognitive test.

[@jackieheaney8246]

As an Irish person I can guarantee Sinead O'Connor would not be happy with him playing her music!!! disgusting!!

[@niningsetia4213]

17an so nonsense for this Rashida freesome Goshawk

[@TheAccidentalViking]

The Irish Independent had a story. Her estate has asked him before to not play her music.

[@CommieKamala]

How vile are liberals? A song for decades meant to bring people together. The liberals spent, 15 minutes turned into an instrument of political hate. Vile disgusting people 🤮

[@jackieheaney8246]

@@TheAccidentalViking omg he is such a d..K omg . I am watching from Australia as a proud Irish woman. This man would really muck up the world.!!!

[@popkern]

@@jackieheaney8246 I could definitely see her tearing up a headshot of Trump.

[@Melania.Melanoma-c6x]

The Leonard Cohen Family Foundation has already sent a cease-desist letter to the Trump organization for Hallelujah!

[@DisaffectedLiberal]

Doesn’t matter. If trump paid ASCAP or a different licensing agency that licenses that particular song, then he has no recourse to do anything. I dealt with ASCAP when I worked in the music industry.

[@asheronwindspear552]

​@@DisaffectedLiberal That would depend on who owes the licence. If the estate holds that licence that it's not the agency's to approve.

[@minimaladjacent]

Trump never paid anyone anything ever. He has been stealing songs for his entire political life ​@DisaffectedLiberal

[@nancycollins4109]

​@@DisaffectedLiberal Leonard Cohen died a few days before Trump took office. And Isaac Hayes' estate dragged Trump to court to make him stop playing one of his songs. ASCAP isn't God.

[@DisaffectedLiberal]

@@asheronwindspear552how long have you been involved in the music industry, live venues, or band management?

[@HawaiiCarrie]

And Sinead too??! No effing way she would like that…way to go Rufus

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

But she was deeply troubled.

[@tracelee7332]

So? She wasn't hateful or divisive towards anyone. She spoke truth to power. I'll let you in on a little secret, most people with 'troubles' are that way because they can SEE through the illusion of this BS world. ​@@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.

[@halflanding1900]

Luciano Pavarotti, Sarah Brightman, estates of Sinead O’Connor and James Brown… they should all sue him.

[@dutchdna]

Class action style.

[@kevinpreston5590]

Why?

[@garybusey9645]

​@@kevinpreston5590 You can't be that stupid. 🤡

[@Astronut54]

The Village People sued him and he's still using their YMCA Song.

[@therondayview7684]

@@kevinpreston5590 Because he didn't ask their permission, or the permission of their estates, for their use. The management of the Village People has already requested he stop using YMCA and Macho Man. The estate of the late activist, Sinead O Connor, is politically diametrically at odds with most MAGA stances and this song (written by Prince) was extremely personal to her. I know nothing about the politics or endorsement preferences of the others. Hopefully the venue has a licence for music and (being generous) dancing at least.

[@4ryan42]

I hope all of these music artists and recording labels sue.

[@harryjove6725]

They better sue everyone who used it

[@mile_high_topher]

@@harryjove6725 Most people pay for the rights to use songs like that.

[@outlawbillionairez9780]

The lawsuit line is 4,800 people long.

[@whiskeymonk4085]

They sold all their rights to the smallhats who have Trump under their thumb. Controlled opposition.

[@Melania.Melanoma-c6x]

The Leonard Cohen Family Foundation has already sent a cease-desist letter to the Trump organization for Hallelujah!

[@Lisa-pl6gv]

Add him to the list of 40+ musicians who don't want their music played at red hat rallies.

[@DisaffectedLiberal]

They shouldn’t have gave over the decision making to a licensing agency then.

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

Yes, they're in a cult. The woke mind virus cult.

[@mile_high_topher]

@@DisaffectedLiberal Trump didn't license any of this music, LOL. Stop defending this nonsense, "Liberal."

[@DisaffectedLiberal]

@@mile_high_topherhave you spoken to ASCAP?

[@rogerbrownreacts8528]

O'Conner is taking a dirt nap she won't be bothered.

[@sgc5888]

Fellow Canadian, proud of Rufus' stance...

[@Northcountry1926]

🇺🇸🇨🇦🫡

[@julieblair7472]

So weird they want to consume the art of people they hate, they think they own everything. And then they will have the nerve to say it's because they're "not political."

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

That's funny because you people seem to own the mainstream media especially in America. These networks are a disgrace. Just propaganda machines for the left.

[@tabithan2978]

Sue the crap out of him!!!!!!

[@Trund27]

Agree!!

[@mellocello187]

Can you imagine if Biden even once “danced” like Trump? It’s all they would be talking about from that point forward. They would Never. Shut. Up. about it.

[@SNOOPYSNOOP1A]

TRUMP KEEPS GETTIN' SUED FOR USING PEOPLE'S MUSIC THAT DON'T WANNA BE ASSOCIATED WITH HIM IN ANY KINDA WAY😂😅😂

[@whiskeymonk4085]

And none of them win because they sold all their rights to small hats who are doing neat little things in a strip of land. And they own T-rex too. Wake up.

[@rogerbrownreacts8528]

O'Connor is dead.

[@Kaff231]

I don’t blame them either😂

[@AncsaKunos]

How dare Trump play my favourite version of Hallujah by Rufus Wainwright! It's about redemption, lol. Not in Trump's vocabulary.

[@whiskeymonk4085]

Cope

[@guyschmidt3431]

See who?

[@defendandprotect-om5hv]

​@@whiskeymonk4085 No problem with expressing disgust with trump using his music.

[@kevinpreston5590]

Just because you don't like I, doesn't mean Trump should stop

[@garybusey9645]

It's called theft. No decent musician wants to be associated with the orange skid mark. There's a reason you guys have only got kid rock and Ted Nugent. 🍊💩🤡

[@existentialpoet8216]

Friends, vote up and down the ballot for the Harris/Walz team - our freedoms and democracy defends on it. Vote.

[@Ritchie1]

Sir ! all the artists that your nurse put on your cassette player hate you bigly

[@popkern]

Rufus is so awesome. That mic drop last statement was PERFECTION. 😂

[@jred201]

Is that the puppy killer from South Dakota up there?

[@LindaVernon]

Yup.

[@loveandabcs]

Don't forget the goat. Yep, she killed a goat as well.

[@motorcityneedlearts-sy1dv]

Sue this horrible man bankrupt him again with court judgments

[@michaeldiogenesbest6127]

TRE45ON.....

[@ClauTo-oh5qu]

Absolutely-trump is gross

[@co9713]

that opening frame with "TRUMP WAS RIGHT ABOUT EVERYTHING" in the background is so surreal, these people are so very sick

[@gleebranham5091]

It's a CULT

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

Musicians? Yes..

[@evanhughes7609]

Meanwhile, at Trump HQ; "So whose music CAN we play?" "Kid Rock?" (long pause) "Anyone else?" "Ted Nugent?" (longer pause) "We're f***ed, aren't we?"

[@AdamTh1]

trump needs to spend about 14 days in jail. Paying a fine will NOT stop him......

[@moereese5254]

Didn’t know about Rufus before this, but I can tell that he is a good man. Throughout his outrage, he still didn’t utter a malicious word about Trump.

[@susanmessenger9052]

Cheeto needs a Prison Playlist....

[@NicoleAZ145]

What a cool guy! I’ve never actually seen him but I love his voice. He’s trying to find a positive meaning in it but also saying Trump is insane, which is true. I’m glad he said it.

[@jono8230]

i'm canadian, and a huge Cohen fan, and huge Rufus Wainwright fan. thank you, Mr. Wainwright for speaking out in public about this. i love this song so much..and i'm tossed between RF singing it, or LC singing it. listening to Hallelujah always inspires me to look deeper, within myself, below the other feelings and find compassion for self and others.

[@pdxpete48]

Rufus (Angel voice) Wainwright.👼

[@CommaCam]

Thank you for speaking out. I appreciate Rufus's gracious take on this, because he's right -- Trump looked like a broken man on that stage last night and could certainly use some prayer and self-reflection. But of course he won't because he's a narcissistic sociopath.

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

The fake empathy of the left is one of their most nauseating qualities and that's saying something. It's particularly evident when in the same sentence they switch to throwing around mental health labels.

[@kcufelgoog3225]

Why doesnt tromp play ice cube and kanye west and lil wayne and lord jamar at his rallies? They support him

[@Yann-wu3fk]

They're not white. He and his red hats are racists. They're too 'genius' to recognize it.

[@LongJourneys]

Hope he owns the rights and can sue

[@markstevens1729]

Just the mechanical rights to the recoding perhaps, which would be enough.

[@Wes-ikAxc]

Of course he does. There are 2 IP rights: Leonard Cohen's (estate's) rights as the composer, and this guy's rights over his own recording of it.

[@davidduarte4840]

Trump brings out the worst in people with his hate, he doesn't deserve to make use of such a beautiful song.

[@kimquinten5298]

This shouldn't surprise you he is deplorable he gets away with it because this is what his cult wants.

[@cds1957]

Trump is truly insane! God help us if that lunatic gets elected! Vote 💙

[@johnc7860]

It is a Leonard Cohen song.

[@martinexxxxxxx]

He did mention that the Cohen estate is suing the Trump campaign...

[@lindaj5492]

What was played was the version by Rufus Wainwright - as he says in this interview.

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

Cheerful man, wasn't he?

[@bebesomething]

I grew up listening to Rufus! Happy to see him speak up

[@dustinyoung3069]

This could easily be a lawsuit from each artist. A class action even.

[@loyaltyduncan-pittman450]

Once again he makes it clear it’s only about himself. Vote 🗳️ please !!!

[@wendykendall7906]

I see more cease and desist letters coming.

[@antoniaoliver8268]

OMG! Sinead O'Connor is rolling in her grave!

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

She was deeply troubled.

[@canadiangemstones7636]

Funny how copyright, or any other laws, just do not apply to donOld. 😢😢😢

[@Linusrox123]

I would love to see him sing that at her inauguration!

[@accskaguy]

That's why he chose that duet with Luciano Pavarotti and James Brown. They are both not in the world anymore, and he thinks it is easy to use their fantastic collaboration without any problems or questions.

[@accskaguy]

I'm sorry Rufus that he used your voice in that way. Hopefully you can get a bit of something somewhere down the line. I wouldn't hold my breath, but still, I hope for better days.

[@clarisahernandez5280]

I'm sorry I know about this. It was one my deceased husband's favorite songs.

[@starcrib]

Rufus is utterly wrong about trump: redemption he saw in his face ? Wow. This guy needs to get a grip. He just dumbfounded me with his absurd take, and insufferable naivety. 👎🏻

[@roland-sc9jq]

Song available on major platforms. SHARE IT! „KAMALA HARRIS“ by STUART You´re fighting for our values You´ve got Jamaican riddim and Indian wisdom You grab the duck by his wings You´ll bring us joy and liberty You know the crooks You know the liars You know the crook with his golden tower He stands for darkness and brutality You stand for democracy You´ve got Jamaican riddim and Indian wisdom You´ve got the all-American vision You´re gonna make it!..

[@michaelstevens1027]

Well said Rufus!

[@mile_high_topher]

Trump? Blaspheming? But he's a Christian! 😆

[@janetcardella4590]

😂

[@anneeriksson2079]

As in really??😮

[@Matt-ex9vk]

Con te Partiro - time to say goodbye Diaper Don.

[@thedylangirl]

But we won’t “go with” him

[@Robert-ht7om]

He has ted and kid, use them

[@justachick9793]

Rufus is such a lovely human being, I'm so glad he's putting his foot down on this one. ❤

[@maxmartin2763]

Based on his supporters looks, Trump could have really made them happy if he played Dueling Banjos!

[@curtisevans4100]

Gosh, when did Rufus get dilfy.

[@jocksharerock7318]

He deserves more than a broken hallelujah.

[@MrPolbel]

He's built a big tab of wages of his sins !

[@ninamiller792]

A man who never met his disabled nephew dances “Hallelujah”…

[@curtisevans4100]

Lol, nutty Kristi Noem is looking like, he's nuts.

[@moereese5254]

Three words: Cease and desist.

[@gerardorosario4381]

he gave new meanin to CON cert

[@george-st-george]

Thanks,You guys !!!

[@loveandabcs]

Maybe this will be the incident -- of SO many -- that finally stops the ascent and lets the rock roll back downhill. I know wishing for a landslide is wishing for too much, but..... maybe just MAYBE this is the incident that will do it.

[@MrPolbel]

Retribution is coming for him too, nobody escapes karmala !

[@zeldasmith6154]

He's very sweet. I got sort of dizzy watching him because he moved his head constantly but what he said was very, very grounded. It's a beautiful song. Don is insane. But it's a beautiful song.

[@leannevandekew1996]

Explains the face makeup, hair dye, hairstyle, 3 wives.

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

What's a woman?

[@leannevandekew1996]

@@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness. Not you.

[@leannevandekew1996]

@@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness. He probably could be described as one.

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

​@@leannevandekew1996Explain. Insults are not debate.

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

​@@leannevandekew1996Who? Do you think the word woman is an insult now?

[@threetreasures7698]

Noem is embarrassed for him. 😂😂

[@artruhrort]

The song is strong enough

[@remyazharyyosef1811]

I'm not a Christian yet I still find it disrespectful. Trump will get his retribution one day.

[@LindaVernon]

Christian? Leonard Cohen was Jewish and the biblical references are from the Old Testament. 🙂

[@carmel-on8im]

Thank you GOP for allowing America and the world to see the real DONALD so grateful to you all. VOTE BLUE America.Watching from Australia.Watching from Australia.CHEERS GOP AND THANK YOU>🤫🤫🤫💙💙💙💙

[@lindapurcell5005]

I'm bothered that he knew it was used at Trump rallies and was ok with it.

[@robinhendrix66]

Me, too. I found that not cool on Wainright's part. I would have stopped it at the get-go.

[@tlmass81]

There's no question that Donny Boy s music love fest will end up being the opening sketch on Saturday Night Live.

[@isarose3136]

It was a LOT of really depressing songs. November Rain, and that opera song that's the #2 song for funerals "Time for me to go"? Trump is playing up his "dementia'" so he doesn't go to prison.

[@GWNorth-db8vn]

That's actually not an opera song. Bocelli is definitely an opera singer, but that's from one of his "pop" albums.

[@carolburgess5600]

Why were those people standing on the stage? Kristi Noem just looked stupid!

[@richardvazquez3637]

Do not be foolish… there will NEVER be a KUMBAYA MOMENT for MAGAt’s. They are deplorable to their core. The orange turd could NEVER absorb, nor remember the lyrics to any song that would normally be an uplifting inspiration to any sane person.

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

Ah yes, the gentle, calm and kind Democrats.

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

So tolerate of people with different opinions....Democrats are such good people..😭😂🤣😂🤣🤦

[@jesuszubizarreta]

😂 Bizarre is an understatement 😅

[@ArnovanderWalt]

This is a weird cult! 🙂

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

Yes, musicians and other celebrities are indeed in one.

[@ArnovanderWalt]

​@@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.​I agree, especially Kid Rock

[@danburnes722]

Maybe the music will at least calm the MAGA mind.

[@DJ5000YES]

WE WANT LADY PRESIDENT💙

[@BarriMartin]

Can anyone tell me how the people who fainted at that rally are doing? 💙💙💙💙

[@DeanOrbong]

Rufus Wainwright can file cease and desist on the radical MAGA campaign and using only this song for "Shrek."

[@darrellgriffinjr8114]

How dumbfounded were you again 😂😂

[@philosopher2king]

2:01 Trump is making it too easy for Bill Maher’s weekly gag 😆😆😆

[@pewterpirate4560]

Bring on the lawsuits .wait til Axl Rose hears "November Rain" playing

[@keandrecardoza83]

Can't wait for him to play locked up they won't let me out 👌🤣

[@adshdhhhd7783]

I feel bad for Leonard Cohen...

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

Yes, the left have shown no support for Israel.

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

So do I..I stand with Israel and the Jewish people.

[@noneneeded-pj3xz]

remarkably lame__all of it_ and monetized? but then there was "nothing compares to you"____ that was WEIRD__ the Loomer funded playlist

[@jerrycarter1928]

He are seeing him melt down, where will he be in a week?

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

He's rejoicing.

[@normanzimmerman5029]

LEONARD COHEN’S MUSIC…RUFUS COVER…GET IT RIGHT

[@EternalSelenaQuintanilla]

she literally said it.. calm down 😂

[@intothesunset3]

​@@EternalSelenaQuintanillaShe said it was a cover, but she didn't mention Leonard Cohen at all.

[@morgenmuffel5747]

That was literally stated in the segment. As was the fact that the Cohen family estate has already refused to give the Trump campaign permission to use the song. They are now exploring legal options

[@mothom323]

@@intothesunset3many people know that or they can Google.

[@Northcountry1926]

Dump Trump … Remember 2016 Vote Harris Walz 💙🇺🇸🫡

[@redsparks2025]

Trump is definitely not as redeemable as Shrek until he confesses his lies, drops out of the presidential race, and accepts the responsibility for his crimes without any more stalling tactics. Only after all that can we then all sing a real hallelujah.

[@franvarga709]

He's just giving up, obviously. His strategy is to lie and try to cheat again. And he has the nerve to play Hallelujah.

[@charlescanton4740]

Cult..

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

Musicians? Yes.

[@Her.Serene.Feline.Cuteness.]

That song was written by Leonard Cohen. Not the most cheerful of men but soulful and sensitive. Well done Trump.

[@rebeccahover9450]

AFTER "ALL" THIS TIME, DOES NO ONE NOT KNOW "TRUMP IS TRUMP?" YEAH IT WAS DIFFERENT ALRIGHT, BUT I FOR ONE AM TIRED OF ALLLL THE QUESTIONS AND NO REAL ANSWERS...YUP MUSIC WAS TOTALLY NEW TO SEE ....

[@carolynm8421]

He only did the sing along as he has no policy to speak about. If you've ever been a teacher and was sick, and didn't have your lesson ready that day, you try and fill it with activities. I taught college once, i can tell you that was it. And that's DJT everyday. One debate? You won? Then go win again, debate her again. Tell American people your plans on the issues, how you'll make life better, not just a few but all. That would be a Hallelujah moment, policy discussion and another debate with VP Harris.

[@mataniupapalii3485]

Using that song kept Trump from divisive, negative and evil chatter. It was a strategy to make people feel sorry for Diaper Don.

[@AngelaT-v2p]

Unbelievable ..my song.......aweful

[@janetcardella4590]

💙💙💙💙💙

[@peggyyoung3367]

It wasn’t written by this guy!

[@CalmbrezLLK]

Trump is losing it!