Village People, the iconic 70s disco band, have sent a cease and desist letter to former President Donald Trump, demanding that he stop using their music without consent. The letter was prompted by a video of Trump dancing at his Mar-a-Lago estate alongside impersonators dressed as the Village People while "Macho Man" played in the background.
Karen Willis, wife of lead singer Victor Willis and manager of the band, accused Trump of violating trademark laws under the Lanham Act. In her statement she said that many fans and members of the general public mistakenly believed it was an authentic performance by the real Village People.
"Our music is not being used for a specific endorsement," read a post on The Village People's Facebook page from February 2020. However, after protesters were cleared from Lafayette Park in June 2020, Willis changed her stance on tolerating Trump's use of their music.
In her letter addressed to Joe Tacopina, attorney for Donald Trump, Karen Willis demanded that they respond within ten days outlining their intentions regarding further usage rights of both The Village People's image and songs. Tacopina has stated that he would only deal with an attorney representing The Village People if one exists.
The cease-and-desist notice also highlighted concerns over potential consumer confusion due to similar marks or appearances between cover bands like those seen at Mar-a-Lago event and official representations by The Village People themselves.
Willis' communication followed numerous other musicians who have voiced disapproval over unauthorized use of their work for political purposes. As events unfold around this issue with-Trump administration-era controversies still fresh in people's minds—it remains uncertain whether any legal actions will be taken against him should he continue utilizing copyrighted material without permission from original artists involved such as those comprising legendary group known collectively as "The