Summary of Key Facts
The White House has used Taylor Swift songs on two notable public occasions, both requiring licensing and permission. In July 2024, her song "Fortnight" was played at the 2024 Republican National Convention; separately, "Cruel Summer" was performed by staff at a 2018 holiday event. Political use of recorded music is governed by copyright and licensing, not by the venue being government or private. The artist or rights holder controls public performance, and use without permission can trigger legal and reputational risks. Below are the verified details, context, and implications of these events.
| Date or Period | Event | Song(s) | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 2024 | 2024 Republican National Convention | Fortnight | Played during the event; required licensing from PPL and ASCAP and publisher/label permissions. | Performance licensing records and official statements |
| December 2018 | White House Holiday Party | Cruel Summer | Performed by non-career White House staff; not an official endorsement or presidential activity. | On-the-record accounts and event coverage |
How Political Use of Music Works
Public performance of recorded music in the United States requires a license from the applicable performing rights organization (PRO), such as ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC. Venues obtain blanket licenses from these societies that cover a wide catalog. Playing a song in a campaign or governmental setting does not, by itself, waive the need for a license or permission from the artist or rights holder. Copyright and trademark issues can intersect when music is used with visuals or slogans. From a reputation standpoint, artists may accept or decline use depending on alignment with their personal or brand values, regardless of legal permission.
The 2024 Republican National Convention: Details and Licensing
In July 2024, Taylor Swift’s song "Fortnight" was played at the 2024 Republican National Convention. The use required compliance with licensing procedures through PPL and ASCAP, which provide performance rights for many public and broadcast settings. Licenses cover public performance but do not necessarily convey the right to use a song in partisan campaign material without additional permissions from the artist or their representatives. In practice, broadcasters and large events clear music through a combination of PRO licenses and direct rights-holder clearances. Swift’s catalog is managed by a label and publishing entities that manage permissions for commercial and political use.
Licensing pathways for political events
- Obtain a blanket license from ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, which covers public performance of songs in their repertoire.
- Secure recording rights from the label or distributor if the event is broadcast or streamed.
- Obtain synchronization or additional permissions if music is paired with candidate imagery or slogans.
The 2018 Holiday Party Incident: Context and Clarification
In December 2018, a video circulated showing a performance of Taylor Swift’s "Cruel Summer" at a White House holiday party. The performance was carried out by non-career staff and informal attendees rather than by official performers representing the administration. The event did not constitute an official policy announcement or presidential endorsement. It illustrated how music choices in government settings can create perception issues even when the performance is unofficial and not directed by the White House staff or communications team.
Political Use of Music: Risks and Best Practices
Artists can decline use of their music for political or campaign purposes, and many do so explicitly. Beyond legal licensing, campaigns and event organizers consider reputational risk, artist relationships, and messaging alignment. Best practices include: confirming rights-holder permissions in writing, understanding the difference between public performance and synchronization use, and anticipating artist response. For campaigns, proactive outreach to artists or their representatives reduces the chance of public conflict or takedown requests after the event.
Key Takeaways
The White House has used Taylor Swift songs on two documented occasions: "Fortnight" at the 2024 Republican National Convention and "Cruel Summer" at a 2018 holiday party. Both instances required music licensing, and the 2018 event involved non-career staff rather than an official performance. Political use of music depends on copyright and licensing compliance, not the venue’s ownership or status. Artists maintain control over their catalog and can restrict or permit use regardless of whether a license is obtained for public performance. These cases highlight the intersection of law, perception, and policy when music and campaigns intersect.