Story perspectives

Leonard Cohen Estate Bars Trump’s “Hallelujah” — Artists Pull Out

6/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Leonard Cohen estate said President Donald Trump’s use of “Hallelujah” at the Freedom 250 rally on June 24 was unauthorized.
President Donald Trump announced that singer Lee Greenwood and performer Christopher Macchio will perform “Hallelujah,” “Nessun Dorma,” “Ave Maria,” and “God Bless America.”
Singer Martina McBride, group The Commodores, rapper Young MC, and singer Bret Michaels withdrew from the Freedom 250 concert series.
Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, will sing the National Anthem.

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Story summary

The Leonard Cohen estate said President Donald Trump’s use of “Hallelujah” at the Freedom 250 rally on June 24 was unauthorized.
President Donald Trump announced that singer Lee Greenwood and performer Christopher Macchio will perform “Hallelujah,” “Nessun Dorma,” “Ave Maria,” and “God Bless America.”
Singer Martina McBride, group The Commodores, rapper Young MC, and singer Bret Michaels withdrew from the Freedom 250 concert series.
Alexis Wilkins, the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, will sing the National Anthem.