Blue Öyster Cult Issue Statement on Donald Trump’s Use of Their Song in Viral AI Clip
via The Independent / YouTube
Trump’s AI Video Sparks Controversy
Blue Öyster Cult have spoken out after U.S. President Donald Trump used their hit song “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” in a viral AI-generated video shared on his social media platform, Truth Social.
The video featured an AI version of Trump wearing a dark cloak alongside his Budget Director, Russell Vought, and Vice President JD Vance. In the strange clip, Trump is shown striking a cowbell while Vance appears to be playing drums. The video also displayed altered lyrics targeting Democrats, including: “Dems, you babies, Here comes the reaper” and “Gonna tie your hands, Cry baby end your plan.”
The clip quickly spread online, leading to confusion over whether the band had authorized the song’s use. Blue Öyster Cult stepped in to clarify their position.
Band Responds to Unauthorized Use
In a statement shared on social media, the band said they wanted to “clarify things” regarding the video. They explained that the use of “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” was not something they had control over.
“BLUE ÖYSTER CULT was not contacted or notified in advance,” the band wrote. They added, “The copyright in the song (Don’t Fear) The Reaper is 100% owned by SONY MUSIC.”
The group further explained that, “BLUE ÖYSTER CULT has no legal right to either authorize or withhold usage, which is 100% controlled by SONY MUSIC.” Their response made clear that any licensing decisions rest entirely with the label, not the artists themselves.
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Other Unauthorized Uses of Media
Blue Öyster Cult’s statement comes as more public figures are finding their work used without permission in political or government content.
Last month, comedian Theo Von criticized the Department of Homeland Security after discovering he appeared in a video promoting deportations. Sharing his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), Von wrote, “Yooo DHS i didnt approve to be used in this. I know you know my address so send a check. And please take this down and please keep me out of your ‘banger’ deportation videos.” He added that his views on immigration were “a lot more nuanced than this video allows.”
Trump’s Latest Criticism
The controversy followed another instance of Trump drawing media attention earlier in the week when he criticized the NFL for choosing Bad Bunny as the next Super Bowl halftime performer. He called the decision “absolutely ridiculous” and “crazy,” while admitting he wasn’t familiar with the Puerto Rican musician.
Ok, this is not normal😳
Trump just posted this insanely weird AI video of himself, JD Vance in a band and Russ Vought as a damn grim reaper. pic.twitter.com/umZAnGxexh
— Mario (@PawlowskiMario) October 3, 2025
