WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Leonard Cohen Estate announced its objection to the performance of the song "Hallelujah" at a Donald Trump rally scheduled for June 24, 2026. The estate posted a statement on Leonard Cohen's social media account regarding the unauthorized use of the song.

President Donald Trump announced on June 4 that "Hallelujah" would be performed at the Freedom 250 rally. Christopher Macchio is scheduled to sing the song at the event. The Leonard Cohen Estate stated, "The Leonard Cohen Estate has learned that the song 'Hallelujah' is to be performed at a Donald Trump rally on June 24. This use is not authorized, and the Estate does not support or approve of this or any similar usage." The statement concluded with the phrase, "Thank you for your attention to this matter."

The Freedom 250 rally is set to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET on June 24, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. President Trump also announced that Lee Greenwood and Christopher Macchio would appear as musical guests. In a June 4 announcement, Trump wrote, "We will have the fabulous Lee Greenwood introducing me with what has turned out to be one of the Greatest Hits of All Time, 'GOD BLESS THE U.S.A.'" Trump also stated that Macchio would sing "Nessun Dorma," "Ave Maria," and "God Bless America."

Other scheduled performers include the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own," the Armed Forces Choir, the United States Marine Band "The President's Own," and the Joint Armed Forces Chorus. In the same June 4 announcement, Trump wrote, "We don't want singers with no talent, but big fees to put you to sleep — we've told them all to stay home." He added, "All we want is you, me, a few speakers, and the Greatest Music ever played, the same Music you have listened to for years!"

The estate's public statement indicates a formal disapproval of the song's unauthorized performance. In 2024, Rufus Wainwright stated, "witnessing Trump and his supporters commune with this music last night was the height of blasphemy."