Alternative rock band Nico Vega criticized a "fight for Trump" video, shared by President Donald Trump Saturday, for using one of its songs.
"To be clear, Nico Vega does not support the use of our song 'Beast' in Trump's recent video," Nico Vega said in a statement posted to Twitter Saturday night.
"We have love and empathy for all people of all backgrounds, races and beliefs, and we feel sick how all Americans' fears and vulnerabilities have been exploited over the last four years," the band continued. "We will not participate in a form of propaganda that pits Americans against one another."
To be clear, Nico Vega DOES NOT support the use of our song “Beast” in Trump’s recent video. Please read the attached screenshot for our full statement. https://t.co/jijBNp7cjS pic.twitter.com/k2qatmT66U
— Nico Vega (@nicovega) December 20, 2020
Trump posted a one-minute and 39-second video advertisement titled "Fight for Trump! Save America—Save the World" to his Twitter account on Saturday.
The video features footage of people in Great Britain, Hong Kong, Nigeria, South Korea, India and Israel allegedly chanting "fight for trump" while waving American flags and holding up posters in support of the president.
Nico Vega's song "Beast" is playing in the background as Trump supporters in the U.S. are shown protesting, driving and boating while waving Trump flags.
In its statement on Twitter, the alternative rock band noted: "The meaning of this song is to love thy neighbor. To stand up for the underdog and to rise together around the commonality of love. Without division!"
Through his 2016 and 2020 campaign, Trump has been confronted by multiple artists—including Neil Young, Steven Tyler, Rihanna, Adele, Elton John, the Rolling Stones, Queen and Pharrell Williams—for using their music in advertisements and during his rallies.
The president shared the video on the same day he urged his Twitter followers to join "wild" protests in Washington, D.C. on January 6, when lawmakers will count Biden's 306 to 232 win among state electoral votes.
The president referred to a report from White House adviser Peter Navarro alleging there was "more than sufficient" evidence to claim Trump won the election.
Peter Navarro releases 36-page report alleging election fraud 'more than sufficient' to swing victory to Trump https://t.co/D8KrMHnFdK. A great report by Peter. Statistically impossible to have lost the 2020 Election. Big protest in D.C. on January 6th. Be there, will be wild!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2020
The president later urged Republican congressional leaders to to not acknowledge President-elect Joe Biden's victory.
"He didn't win the Election. He lost all six swing states, by a lot. They then dumped hundreds of thousands of voters in each one and got caught," Trump tweeted. "Now Republican politicians have to fight so that their great victory is not stolen. Don't be weak fools!"
He didn’t win the Election. He lost all 6 Swing States, by a lot. They then dumped hundreds of thousands of votes in each one, and got caught. Now Republican politicians have to fight so that their great victory is not stolen. Don’t be weak fools! https://t.co/d9Bgu8XPIj
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 19, 2020
Twitter noted his tweets contained "disputed" information.
Newsweek reached out to Trump's re-election campaign but didn't hear back in time for publication.
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