Full Breakdown
Trump Plays Personal Playlist for Reporters on Air Force One
By Drooid · · How we work
In-Flight Music Session
During a Sunday flight back to Washington from Ireland, a small press pool aboard Air Force One was invited to listen to an “Approved Rally Playlist.” A senior flight attendant entered the cabin with a large Bluetooth speaker, and the playlist began playing over the Atlantic. The collection included Dolly Parton’s “Jolene,” Les Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me,” the entrance theme of WWE wrestler The Undertaker, Cat Stevens’s “Wild World,” R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion,” The Who’s “Baba O’Riley,” Luciano Pavarotti’s “Nessun Dorma,” ABBA’s “Fernando,” and Guns N’ Roses’s “November Rain.”
Background on Trump’s Musical Preferences
Trump’s use of music at political events is well documented. At a Pennsylvania town-hall in October 2024, he asked aides to play a series of favorite songs—including Pavarotti’s “Ave Maria”—while he addressed the audience. Campaign staff and observers have long noted his personal control over the soundtrack at rallies, earning him the nickname “DJ T” among regulars at his Mar-a-Lago resort.
Songs Featured (Data & Statistics)
- “Jolene” – Dolly Parton
- “You Don’t Own Me” – Les Gore
- The Undertaker’s WWE entrance theme
- “Wild World” – Cat Stevens
- “Losing My Religion” – R.E.M.
- “Baba O’Riley” – The Who
- “Nessun Dorma” – Luciano Pavarotti
- “Fernando” – ABBA
- “November Rain” – Guns N’ Roses
Official Statements from the President
Trump told reporters he wanted to ensure they were comfortable with the music, saying he selected most of the tracks himself and that playing “good, happy music” was intended to make the press “happy.” He reiterated his long-standing affection for music, describing it as a source of personal joy and a “very interesting thing” in his life.
Artist Objections
Several artists or their representatives have publicly objected to the use of their songs at Trump events. A spokesperson for Universal Music, speaking on behalf of ABBA, said the group had requested that Trump’s campaign cease using their recordings after a 2024 rally featured multiple ABBA tracks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I love music. I love good music,” — Donald Trump, US president
- “I want to make sure everyone is okay with the music, right?” — Donald Trump, US president
- “Yes, I picked myself. I want to make you happy, so I’m playing wonderful music, happy music.” — Donald Trump, US president
- “I just wanted to make sure everyone is OK with the music,” — Donald Trump, US president
Related Recent Event
Later that week, on June 25, 2026, President Trump attended a rally to launch the “Great American State Fair” in Washington, where his musical selections continued to feature prominently.