Attorneys representing independent musician Christian Berishaj, known professionally as JMSN, sent a formal cease-and-desist letter to White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. The legal action demands that the Trump administration immediately halt the use of his song “Love Me” in taxpayer-funded television advertisements, citing federal copyright law violations and unauthorized associations.
The legal demand was filed by attorneys from Ballard Spahr LLP alongside Democracy Defenders Action, an advocacy organization led by former Obama White House ethics czar Norman Eisen. According to the filing, the administration deployed the track without proper licensing or authorization, using it as the backdrop for a promotional campaign running across major television and streaming networks.
Legal Grounds and Allegations in the Cease-and-Desist Letter
The correspondence argues that the unauthorized placement infringes upon federal copyright statutes. It also violates the Lanham Act, which governs trademark protections and prohibits false endorsements or consumer confusion. The letter states that the placement wrongfully links the artist and his work to government messaging and potential violations regarding the use of public funds for political purposes.
“The unauthorized use does further harm because it associates JMSN and the Song with apparent violations of federal laws prohibiting the use of taxpayer dollars for political purposes,” the legal letter reads.
In a public statement via Instagram, Berishaj denounced the commercial, titled “The Country He Loves,” emphasizing that he would never authorize his music to be utilized for any political agenda or campaign.
Details of the White House Ad Campaign and Expenditures
The contested television spot features President Donald Trump calling on Americans to counter communism, socialism, and Marxism. As a choir recites the phrase “Love Me” from JMSN’s song, text graphics flash across the screen highlighting administration accomplishments, such as tax cuts and manufacturing initiatives. The commercial concludes with remarks from Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) CEO Dana White praising the president’s resilience.
Advertisement tracking firm AdImpact reports that the administration has committed nearly $2.5 million across at least three distinct placements. However, the precise overall expenditure remains obscured due to the spots being classified as public service announcements.
Demands Outlined by the Artist’s Legal Team
The cease-and-desist directive outlines specific compliance measures for the White House and associated entities:
- Immediately cease all usage of “Love Me” or any other intellectual property belonging to JMSN in current or future broadcasts and promotional material.
- Remove all digital postings of the advertisement from online platforms.
- Provide a comprehensive financial and broadcast accounting detailing network airings, transmission dates and times, market locations, program context, and total media expenditures.
Representatives for the White House have defended the spots as educational and patriotic initiatives designed to encourage national pride, though officials have not formally addressed the legal demands.
