The 45th President of the United States is running out of pop culture options to appropriate.
Another week, another instance of Donald Trump using something popular for his own purposes and getting lambasted for it by the people who made it.
On 27 October, Trump spoke at a convention where Pharrell Williams’ song ‘Happy’ was played before his speech.
This took place on the same day as a mass shooting in a Pittsburgh synagogue where 11 people were killed.
After the usage of the song, attorneys for Pharrell sent a cease and desist letter to Trump, although it was later revealed that the convention organisers were responsible for the song choice.
Nonetheless, this kind of situation isn’t unique for the American President, with artists including R.E.M., Neil Young, Adele, Twisted Sister, Elton John, Queen, The Rolling Stones and estates representing Prince, Luciano Pavarotti and George Harrison all formally requesting that Trump leave their music alone.
On Friday, Trump – or whoever runs his Twitter account – used his favourite social media platform to unveil a dramatic poster heralding the arrival of new sanctions, supposedly coming next week.
The font looks quite familiar, don’t you think? Not to mention the way the wording closes off.
HBO was quick to respond to the Game of Thrones ‘homage’ via a statement to The Hill:
“We were not aware of this messaging and would prefer our trademark not be misappropriated for political purposes,” said an official HBO spokeswoman.
They also made note of it themselves on Twitter:
How do you say trademark misuse in Dothraki?
— HBO (@HBO) November 2, 2018
While actor Sophie Turner also weighed in:
https://twitter.com/SophieT/status/1058415804641767424
As did her on-screen sister:
Not today. https://t.co/Jg51mGHPO1
— Maisie Williams (@Maisie_Williams) November 2, 2018
Messy business, altogether…
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