Lizzo Condemns Use of Her Song at Trump Birthday Parade, Threatens Legal Action

Grammy-winning artist Lizzo is calling out President Donald Trump after discovering that her 2022 chart-topping anthem “About Damn Time” was used during his birthday celebration in Washington, D.C., on June 14. The singer made it clear she did not authorize the use of her music—and she’s not having it.

In a now-viral TikTok post, Lizzo responded to footage showing a sparse crowd at Trump’s parade, where a live cover version of her hit played over loudspeakers. The event was part of a larger celebration that also marked the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary. But Lizzo’s reaction was swift and unmistakable.

In a stitched video with Courier Newsroom, Lizzo appears visibly unimpressed, scanning the video with narrowed eyes before captioning the clip with a pointed message: “Cease and desist,” ending with a dismissive hand gesture.

While it remains unclear who performed the rendition of her song, Lizzo’s fans were quick to echo her disapproval. “We all knew that wasn’t Lizzo approved,” one user commented.

Another added, “The first thing I said was, ‘I don’t think Lizzo would appreciate this.’” Many urged her to follow through with legal action to prevent further unauthorized use of her work.

The June 14 event featured performers including DJ Nyla Symone, Lee Greenwood, Scotty Hasting, Noah Hicks, and Warren Zeiders, according to USA Today. However, the use of Lizzo’s music sparked more controversy than celebration, especially given her outspoken political stance.

Lizzo has consistently used her platform to speak out on social and political issues. In recent years, she’s voiced support for progressive causes including health care reform, gun safety, and climate action. She was also among the early celebrity supporters of then–Vice President Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign.

Following President Joe Biden’s decision to exit the race, Lizzo was one of the first high-profile artists to publicly stand behind Harris, citing her efforts to strengthen global partnerships and pass impactful legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act.

Trump’s celebration, though branded as a birthday event, was not without its political overtones. The parade drew criticism from activists and protest groups, particularly those accusing the former president of using military symbolism for partisan messaging. Demonstrators across the country also staged “No Kings” rallies, challenging Trump’s leadership style and immigration policies.