“Historic Showdown: Francis Scott Key’s Estate Takes on Trump Over ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ Controversy!”
Ever thought about what it would be like to get a cease-and-desist letter from a historic estate? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening to Donald Trump! In a turn of events that’s sure to make even the most stoic of historians raise an eyebrow, the heirs of Francis Scott Key—the guy who penned “The Star-Spangled Banner”—are throwing a legal curveball at the former president, demanding he stop playing the patriotic anthem at his campaign rallies.
Now, before you roll your eyes and think this is another wacky political story, consider this: Kara Winstone-Key, the great-great-great-great-great-great granddaughter of the lyricist, claims that Trump’s use of the anthem is not just unauthorized but violates the very spirit of what the song represents. Can you imagine the irony? A song literally about standing firm against adversity being used in political theatrics that might have Francis himself doing a double-take! And with the estate’s history of chasing down licensing fees, it seems they might not be just blowing hot air. If this standoff escalates to court—it could be quite the spectacle! Buckle up, folks, because this is bound to be one legal showdown for the history books.
BALTIMORE—Threatening significant legal consequences if the campaign failed to heed its warnings, the Francis Scott Key estate sent a cease-and-desist letter to Donald Trump on Friday that demanded he discontinue use of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at his rallies. “This unauthorized political usage is in clear violation of what Francis stood for and everything his song means,” wrote Kara Winstone-Key, great-great-great-great-great-great granddaughter of the lyricist, poet, and lawyer, casting doubt on whether the former president even knew the meaning of broad stripes and bright stars gallantly waving o’er ramparts. “We’re asking Mr. Trump’s campaign to immediately halt this inappropriate use of our ancestor’s masterwork. Frankly, we did not grant Ms. Harris license to use this song either, nor has the White House ever reached out to broker a deal that would sanction its lengthy history of using ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ to suit its own purposes. This is our final request. If Mr. Trump does not take immediate action, we will see him in court.” The estate went on to warn that it had already been awarded millions from MLB for the sports league’s centuries-long exploitation of the anthem.
