KOMPAS.com – Former U.S. President Donald Trump sparked conversation after playing Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain” at the inaugural Board of Peace meeting in Washington on February 19, 2026.
The song choice drew attention as the legendary rock band has repeatedly voiced objections to their music being used in political events involving Trump.
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Some found the atmosphere of the meeting, intended to discuss global stability and cooperation, particularly unusual.
The song selected was a nearly nine-minute rock ballad about fractured love, uncertainty, and featuring the iconic lyric, “Nothing lasts forever.”
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During the song, Trump casually asked the delegates in attendance, “Does everybody like the music?”
The question was met with nods from some of the attendees. Trump then added, “What we have is good music.”
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Musically, many agree the song is iconic. However, playing it during a forum focused on global peace raised questions about its relevance for some observers. The incident highlights the ongoing intersection of politics and popular culture, and the rights of artists to control the use of their work.
The controversy also recalls Trump’s long-standing strained relationship with numerous musicians.
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Guns N’ Roses is among the artists who previously objected to their music being used in connection with Trump’s political activities.
Similar objections arose during a documentary project about Melania Trump.
Film producer Marc Beckman told Variety that several prominent musicians declined requests to license their songs for the soundtrack.
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Musician Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead and director Paul Thomas Anderson also condemned the use of music from Phantom Thread (2017) in the documentary.
Against this backdrop, the playing of “November Rain” at the Board of Peace forum has reignited discussion.
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For some, the moment wasn’t simply about musical taste, but reflected the long-running dynamic between the political world and the entertainment industry, particularly regarding artists’ rights over their work.
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