Rufus Wainwright Shares Statement About “Hallejulah” Being Played At Weird Trump Event

On Monday night, Donald Trump was giving a town-hall address in the Philadelphia suburbs, and its question-and-answer portion was interrupted by a couple of medical emergencies. Trump reacted by demanding that music be played in the venue — first Pavarotti’s version of “Ave Maria” and then, when the onlookers turned out to be OK, the Village People’s “YMCA.” According to the Associated Press, Trump essentially went on to pick more songs to play: Guns N’ Roses’ “November Rain,” Sinéad O’Connor’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” Rufus Wainwright’s version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”

Video from the Trump event shows Trump sort of standing up there, silently nodding with his eyes closed, while the crowd sways and sings along to Rufush Wainwright’s take on “Hallelujah” — you know, the one that was on the Shrek soundtrack. It’s pretty weird! There’s also a bit where he’s like, “Great song!”

All of the videos are weird.

they're now playing Sinéad while Trump bobs around and dances pic.twitter.com/xKgFpthg30

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 15, 2024

You’re never going to believe this, but Rufus Wainwright was not thrilled to have his recording played at this particular event, and he said as much in a press-release statement:

The song “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen has become an anthem dedicated to peace, love, and acceptance of the truth. I’ve been supremely honored over the years to be connected with this ode to tolerance. Witnessing Trump and his supporters commune with this music last night was the height of blasphemy. Of course, I in no way condone this and was mortified, but the good in me hopes that perhaps in inhabiting and really listening to the lyrics of Cohen’s masterpiece, Donald Trump just might experience a hint of remorse over what he’s caused. I’m not holding my breath.